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It could be pregnancy complications, years trying to conceive or a premature birth. Baby Story of the Year recognises a baby who ultimately overcame all challenges and is now a thriving, healthy little boy or girl (age 0-12 months).
Our 2012 Baby Story of the Year is Hailey Rose MacNeice!
Hailey Rose pictured with Kevin Lillis of Sudocrem, her Mum Glenda and Dad Ronan
Here is her story:
After an uneventful pregnancy Glenda Howlett expected to bring home a healthy little girl; however, things did not go so smoothly. Soon after her birth Hailey Rose began to vomit, and despite assurances that everything was normal, it quickly became apparent that this was not the case. As the newborn’s breathing began to deteriorate, the doctors began tests to find the cause, and it was discovered that little Hailey Rose was suffering from a diaphragmatic hernia.
This condition affects just 1 out of every 2,200 to 5,000 live births and with a mortality rate or 1 in 2 babies; the doctors prepared the family for the worst. The tear in Hailey Rose’s diaphragm had allowed her abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity, leaving her lungs severely underdeveloped, and her heart on the wrong side of her body. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the surgeons at Temple St. Hospital, the hole in her diaphragm was closed, and her heart moved back into the correct position.
For a baby that was just two-days old this surgery was a massive undertaking, and as Hailey Rose remained very weak she was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she remained on a ventilator for several days. Her mum, Glenda, says the limited contact with her newborn was the hardest part – as she just wanted to hug her baby and take her home. The staff at Temple St. continued to care for Hailey Rose, and although she required monthly immunity injections, the family was finally able to bring her home. Hailey Rose recently celebrated her first birthday, and she has recovered so well it is hard to believe she was so sick just a short time ago.
Baby Story of the Year 2011, Alice Black
Alice Black pictured with her parents Marie and Niall
Here is her story:
Alice Black’s story began when mum Marie was 22 weeks pregnant. During a routine scan the Blacks were informed that their unborn child had a brain abnormality: she had a fluid build-up where brain tissue should be developing. Alice’s condition was diagnosed as terminal, and parents Niall and Marie were informed that their baby wouldn’t survive the pregnancy and if she did, she would be severely mentally and physically disabled and would not live for long.In July of this year, baby Alice was delivered by Caesarean section because her head was so enlarged that Marie’s health was at serious risk and she could not have a natural birth. Medical staff had to drain the fluid from Alice’s brain before she could be born – a procedure which her parents were told she would not survive.
Miraculously, Alice survived the birth and was given just 24 to 48 hours to live. Alice once again defied all odds, however, as she surpassed the 48-hour mark and was sent home after five days to pass away at home. Despite her condition, Alice was thriving like any newborn should, prompting her doctors to intervene at three weeks by placing a shunt in her brain to drain excess fluid back into the rest of her body. The surgery was a huge success, and Alice is now over four-months-old! She sucks and rasps, gurgles and smiles like any baby should. She has full use of her arms and legs, and sleeps through the night! Alice’s record of defying the odds throughout her life to date has left her dad with “the unshakeable belief that only Alice will decide where we go from here.”
Baby Story of the Year sponsor,2012
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream was created in Ireland over 80 years ago and has been used by millions of mums, dads and healthcare professionals ever since to treat the sore skin caused by nappy rash.
Sudocrem’s clinically proven formula soothes, heals and protects. It can be applied at every nappy change to gently care for your baby’s skin.
