People have always been fascinated with the subject of miracle baby. These stories often combine the wonders of ground-breaking medical procedure with the penchant for the human species to find a way to survive, despite all odds.
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In one such instance, a baby boy born in Texas was so small at birth, that he weighed only as much as a can of soda. This happened last year, and as the baby turns 1-year-old this year, Daily Mail reported on the case and his progress.
Previously, we also heard of a woman who delivered the 'largest baby' doctors had seen.
Baby Leovani's faced a number of complications at birth
The baby, named Leovani Vera, was born premature at only 27 weeks. At birth, he weighed only 14.5 ounces, less than one pound. He was so small that his father's wedding ring could fit his wrist like a bracelet.
Baby Leovani was so tiny at birth that he weighed barely as much as a can of Coca-Cola. For reference, a standard Coca-Cola can weighs only 330 grams.
Leovani's mother, Isabel Vera, describes how during pregnancy, she found out that the baby measured five weeks behind on the 20-week ultrasound scan. She then faced pregnancy complications, which led her to have the baby early.
After birth, Leovani spent 127 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This was to make sure that he got all possible medical support since premature babies are very vulnerable to physical and developmental complications.
The baby is thriving despite all odds
Leovani's mother told the Daily Mail, that the first months with the baby were scary and emotionally challenging for her and her family. She says,
I barely left his side when he was born, and even at home, I would be checking the camera to make sure he was okay in the hospital.
I just kept crying and I hardly stopped to even process what we were going through. When he was in the NICU I commuted there daily to visit him.
Despite all the health setbacks, Leovani has thrived and just celebrated his first birthday with his family. His mother calls him her 'miracle' and describes her emotions at the milestone saying,
Seeing him celebrate his first birthday was like a full circle for me.
Leovani is my miracle, and I am just over the moon to be able to say he's a happy and healthy one-year-old.
Read more:
⋙ This baby was born holding a surprise object in his hand, leaving nurses shocked
⋙ This couple made an unusual decision after using a surrogate mother to have a baby
⋙ This baby had severe mobility issues, doctors couldn't believe what they found inside her brain
Sources used:
Daily Mail: 'Short and sweet! Baby boy born the size of a can of Coca Cola defies odds as he celebrates first birthday'
