For a woman who wants children, a diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can be quite devastating.
Helen Douglas had been treated for this syndrome and medically this significantly reduced her chances of ever conceiving. Helen, 30, and her husband, Rhys Douglas, 25, are from Britain and had struggled to get pregnant for a long time.
Despite her medical history, the couple did not lose hope. And their faith was rewarded when Helen found out that she was pregnant. They were overjoyed. They had beaten the odds and would welcome their own baby soon. When Helen went for an ultrasound, she was informed by the doctor that the baby was a boy.
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She and her husband chose to name him Austin. Helen had been told years ago that she would probably have an early menopause and children were off the agenda, so Austin was a little miracle from the very beginning. She was ecstatic.
Unfortunately, her ecstasy was short-lived. When she was about four months pregnant, she was attacked by sudden and severe pain in her stomach. This was followed by heavy bleeding. She was rushed to the hospital and upon examination was informed that she was fully dilated. She would have to give birth to Austin at 22 weeks old.
She was distraught. There was nothing the doctors could do to stop the premature birth. Doctors confirmed the couple’s worst fears that there was virtually no chance of little Austin surviving. The news was quite harrowing to Helen as this had probably been her one and only chance of getting pregnant and who knew if she could ever conceive again.
Baby Austin was born weighing one pound, four ounces. He was so little that he could fit into the palm of his mother’s hand. His internal organs were visible through his still translucent skin and his ears and lungs had not yet fully developed. But what they didn’t know at the time was that Austin was a fighter.
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He was not about to lose this battle. As little as he was, he braved through it all. Despite the grim diagnosis and the little chance of survival, the little baby was determined to live. He proved to be a miracle baby, battling all the odds that were against him.
His mother says he’s been fighting since the first day. What a hero!
Helen and Rhys were asked if they wanted medical assistance for him, given how premature he was. She told doctors that if he came out breathing, she wanted them to do everything they could to save him. She loves him so much and she is so grateful for all the care he’s had.
The doctors had intervened the moment he was delivered and began putting Austin on life support. Helen and her husband had watched helplessly. They were terrified. They were afraid for their baby.
The moment he was stabilized, little Austin was nestled in an incubator and transferred to a different hospital where he would be kept for seven weeks. Doctors warned the family of his dire conditions and told them not to raise their hopes.
The outcome was likely to be terrible. The chances that he would make it were very slim.
Austin survived two lung infections and he is still going strong. His mother says that he has grown a lot and she has to hold him with two hands now. He is bigger than her husband’s hand. His heartbeat is strong and steady, and his breathing is improving daily as his lungs continue to develop and mature.
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He gets better every day. He continues to fight fearlessly.They have to take each day at a time but she has never prayed so much in her life as she has since Austin came into the world. Baby Austin was transferred to yet another hospital where he continues to astound all who meet him.
He is indeed a miracle who has defied Doctors’ expectations. His parents are expecting to take him home on July 28, which is his original due date. They are thankful for the far there baby has come and are hoping for his absolute health. Austin continues to inspire all who meet him with his fighting spirit. Doctors are amazed at the progress he has made. Well wishes to Austin and his family as he continues to grow stronger and healthier every day.