A newborn baby weighing 1 pound from Chicago is finally going home from a successful premature birth. After a challenging six-month journey, baby Nyla triumphantly left Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox to go home on Monday, May 13.
The hospital hosted a celebratory send-off, attended by enthusiastic staff, friends, and family members, collectively known as "Nyla Nation."
Chicago Newborn Baby Only Weighs 1 Pound
NaKeya Haywood, Nyla's mother, expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging the overwhelming support from family and friends who prayed and provided care throughout this period. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as everyone gathered to celebrate Nyla's homecoming.
This Chicago hospital has declared Nyla's recovery nothing short of miraculous. Born weighing just around one pound, she has now made it home after a tremendous battle for survival.
Nyla's journey began when her mother, NaKeya Haywood from Joliet, was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 22 weeks pregnant. This severe high-blood pressure condition posed significant risks to both mother and child, necessitating an early delivery to save their lives.
Nyla Brook Haywood was born on November 1 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois. As a micropreemie, she weighed only 1 pound and 1 ounce and measured just 11 inches in length.
Despite being born with fused eyes, underdeveloped lungs, and nearly translucent skin, Nyla's condition has dramatically improved.
After receiving six months of intensive care in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, she now weighs approximately 10 pounds and is 21 inches long. The hospital staff has been astonished by her incredible progress and resilience.
Premature Birth Challenges
Dr. Mario Sanchez, Nyla's physician, explained that the odds are typically against babies born at 22 weeks, as numerous complications can arise despite the best efforts of medical professionals.
To ensure Nyla's comfort during her transition from the womb, the medical team increased the room temperature. Dr. Sanchez described the delivery as flawless, noting that even the challenging task of inserting a breathing tube into her tiny body went smoothly.
Nyla's journey didn't end at delivery. Dr. Sanchez highlighted that many babies born at such an early stage suffer from head bleeds. However, Nyla's head ultrasounds were consistently normal, which is exceptional for a baby born at 22 weeks.
Most babies born this prematurely either do not survive or face significant developmental delays. Nyla, on the other hand, is expected to have a near-normal outcome, making her a truly remarkable case.
The Haywood family, known for their respectfulness, friendliness, and cheerfulness, has touched the hearts of the medical staff. Their journey from facing such daunting challenges to witnessing Nyla's progress has been deeply inspiring for everyone involved.
A Stanford study analyzing 10,877 premature babies born in the U.S. between 2013 and 2018 found that those born at 22 weeks had only a 28% chance of survival with active treatment. Nyla has surpassed these daunting odds and continues to thrive.
Though she still has some scarring on her lungs and will need to go home with oxygen, Nyla's future looks promising. She will continue to have regular checkups to monitor for any potential complications common among micropreemies. Nonetheless, her doctors remain optimistic about her continued development and bright future.
