One of Britain’s smallest babies who weighed the same as a bag of sugar and was kept alive in a plastic bag has defied the odds to return home. Pace Galbraith was born at 25 weeks – a staggering 101 days early – and was so tiny he was too frail to even hold or cuddle.
Doctors kept the 1lb 4oz tot warm by placing him in a plastic drawstring bag moments after he was delivered on March 11. He spent four months of his life in intensive care at Bristol Children’s Hospital while his lungs were developing and he gained weight.
His parents Bella and Paul, from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, faced a gruelling 150-mile round-trip to visit their son each day. But after spending thousands of pounds on fuel visiting their son, they were delighted when doctors said he was big enough to take home. The proud parents introduced Pace to their three other children last Wednesday.
Bella, 33, said: “We're absolutely over the moon. Even though he's left hospital, he still has oxygen here so we're still not out of it, but we're so glad that he's home. It's just incredible.
“There were times it was certain he wasn't going to make it and I think when you try to explain that to your family members and they don't quite understand how precarious a situation he was in. At times there were questions about his survival, but luckily he made and he's here now.
“We were at the hospital in Bristol for seven weeks, which was a tough time because of his condition. Bringing him home has been a big step for the family.”
Bella, a receptionist, was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after her waters broke on March 7. She was transferred 72 miles away to Bristol, where doctors tried to delay labour but were forced to perform an emergency caesarean four days later. During his stay in hospital, Pace endured six blood transfusions and still needs oxygen.
Bella added: "There are issues around eyes and sight, but his hearing is fine we know he can hear and there's possibly developmental issues later on, but we'll have to see about that.”
Husband Paul, 42, a prison officer, said: "Just to have him back is fantastic news. We were looking forward to it for a long time and once the day finally came we were just excited and over the moon to have him here."
