Recently married, Sunita and Srinivas were excited when they got to know about the new addition to the family. When Sunita was 7 months along, they began discussing baby names. Excited, these parents frequently visited the doctor, and were relieved to know that everything was normal. Unfortunately, the pregnancy took an abruptly tragic turn and Sunita delivered her baby weeks before the due date.

A Birth In Distress
On 2 December 2017, Sunita complained of stomach ache. Alarmed, Srinivas rushed her to the hospital. Upon reaching the hospital, the couple was told that a C-section had to be done immediately to save the life of the mother and the baby. A baby girl was born extremely premature, weighing only 700 grams. She was taken to the NICU immediately and started on the ventilator.

"Those few hours while I was waiting outside the operation theatre were the scariest I have been my entire life. I had never felt so helpless. My wife was inside, fighting a battle to save herself and the baby while I was sitting outside on a bench, hoping that I get to hear her speak again. When they finally told me that she is safe, I cried", recalls Srinivas. 

Both mother and daughter need taking care of 
Ever since the ordeal, the family has had hardly any time to compose themselves. Post surgery, while out of any significant danger, Sunita too had to be kept in the hospital in critical condition.


"One moment everything was fine, and the next I was begging God to take my life instead of Sunita's. She would beg me to let her out of the bed and see the baby herself. But she was too weak to walk, I had to make excuses to calm her down", says Srinivas.

As of the now, the baby has been in the hospital for past 38 days and are expected to be there for another 20 days. The baby is showing improvement but is still on a breathing tube. The family has to ensure that she gets the best of medical care if they want to take her home.A Family Of Humble Means 

Srinivas, who works as a laborer is a sole earning member of the family. His income depends largely on the availability of jobs. And now with the baby in the hospital, and Sunita at home, he is running back and forth to ensure both of their well-being. He is not able to take up any new work. Like any individual, they were hoping for a smooth delivery and the sudden shift of events has put a considerable dent in their pockets.
The estimated cost of baby's entire stay is Rs 5.68 lakhs and the family is finding it difficult to arrange for some. They have paid some of the amount but are still looking for ways to arrange for the major chunk. The couple is happy that their firstborn is showing considerable improvement, but at the same time are weighed down by the thought of ever-burgeoning hospital bills.

"We have taken help of our relatives and somehow arranged Rs 2 lakhs. Now we have nothing left. We sold off whatever little jewelry we had and now I am even worried about raising up my daughter once she gets back home", says Srinivas. 

How Can You Help?
The baby will need to be in the NICU for another 20-30 days which will cost the family Rs 5.68 lakhs. They have already spent Rs 2 lakhs and exhausted all their other sources. Sunita and Srinivas are desperate to save their baby.  

Only your contributions can save the baby's life.