Tiny Beginnings, Extraordinary Courage | Dr. Sachin Sakharkar (Incharge of NICU (Neonatology) and Consultant Pediatrics)
Every baby has a story. Some stories begin in a maternity ward and continue smoothly into childhood. Others begin in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where every day is a battle and every small step forward is a victory.
Our NICU staff recently had the honour of participating in an incredible adventure. This small baby was born far earlier than anticipated, at just 24 weeks of pregnancy and weighing just 640 grams. There were many obstacles in his way, and his prospects were slim. He was moved to our NICU in extremely serious condition at the age of just 45 days. He was suffering from a life-threatening illness where fluid had accumulated around his heart, as well as significant digestive issues, breathing difficulties, and an infection.
Our neonatal transport team travelled to bring him safely to our hospital. An urgent procedure was needed to remove the fluid around his heart. Performing such a delicate procedure on a baby weighing less than a kilogram required tremendous skill and precision. The weeks that followed were filled with ups and downs. There were difficult days when breathing support had to be increased. There were concerns about feeding, infections, and blood pressure. Each time progress seemed within reach, a new challenge appeared. But this little warrior never stopped fighting. Day and night, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff worked together to care for him. His parents stood beside him through every difficult moment, holding on to hope even during the toughest days.
Slowly, things began to improve. His lungs became stronger. He tolerated feeds better. The infections came under control. He started gaining weight. One milestone followed another. What once had seemed impossible slowly became possible. Today this former micro-preemie weighs 3 kilograms, breathes comfortably on his own, eats well, and is ready to go home with his family. These are the stories that make the NICU such a special place.
Success in the NICU is measured differently. A few grams of weight gain can make smiles. A baby who breathes on its own is a reason to celebrate. The first successful feed. The first cry or the first-time parents can hold their baby without tubes and wires are moments families never forget. Every NICU graduate carries a story of courage. Some were born too early. Some were born too small. Some faced serious medical challenges from the very beginning.
Yet they all share one thing in common- they never gave up. Behind every NICU graduate stands an army of people: parents who remained strong through uncertainty, healthcare teams who worked tirelessly around the clock, and support staff who quietly contributed to every step of the journey. The NICU teaches us many lessons. It teaches patience when progress feels slow. It teaches gratitude for every small achievement. Most importantly, it teaches hope.
Many people who meet these children later in life would never imagine how fragile their beginnings once were. They grow up to laugh and play and learn and dream and live full lives, but they carry a story of strength that began long before they could speak.
One of the important lessons of stories like this is that many families don’t understand the challenges of extreme prematurity and the specialized care that these babies need. Babies born very early or with very low birth weight often need treatment in sophisticated Neonatal Intensive Care Units with trained neonatal specialists, specialised equipment and multi-disciplinary support. “Long term outcomes are often decided in the first hours and days of life.
With the right level of neonatal care even the tiniest and sickest babies can survive and thrive. Many children born weighing less than a kilogram will go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Education about prematurity is important. Early diagnosis, timely referral and specialized neonatal care can make all the difference, giving these tiny babies the best chance for a healthy future, and bringing hope and joy to their families.”