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A little over 6 months ago, Sheela and Srinivas found out that their dream of being parents was finally coming true, and the family had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new baby. But just as Sheela hit 27 weeks, the couple learned that their baby was in distress. On 24 August, their baby boy was born premature via c-section, and has been fighting for his life in the NICU ever since.
Having lost a baby before, the news of her pregnancy came as a delightful surprise
For Srinivas and Sheela, who had wanted nothing more than to have a child of their own, life had given them their fair share of pain and suffering. In their 15 years of marriage, the couple already lost one baby, and were never able to overcome the loss. But a few months ago, Sheela learned that she was pregnant and she had been ecstatic, while also being cautious and fearful of the possibility of tragedy striking again.“7 years ago, I lost my baby before it could be born. I was heartbroken, and all these years I had been wondering what had gone wrong for my baby to be taken away even before I had a chance to hold them. I struggled so much, until I discovered that I was pregnant again. I thought this was it, that God had given me another chance to become a mother. I was extremely careful, and attended every counselling session, doctor’s appointment and scan diligently. For 6 months, I was told my baby was healthy and doing very well. Then, all of a sudden, my worst fears were coming true…” - Sheela, mother
She had to undergo emergency c-section to deliver her baby
“We had come in for her ultrasound, and she had just completed 26 weeks. The doctor went about checking her as usual, but soon it became increasingly apparent that something was wrong. We were told that my wife’s blood pressure was high, while there wasn’t enough water [amniotic fluid] to sustain the baby in her womb - and so, we had to rush her to get an emergency c-section or the baby’s life would be at risk.” - Srinivas, father
The newborn was immediately shifted to an incubator in the NICU, and put on ventilator support. He is suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, as his lungs are underdeveloped, and he was also diagnosed with early onset sepsis (blood infection).
Sheela’s baby needs to remain in intensive care and receive treatment for at least 10 more weeks to make a full recovery. However, his poor parents are strapped for money. Having spent all they had in just the delivery and initial treatment costs, Srinivas and Sheela have no means to bear the rest of their baby’s medical expenses.
Only a coolie, his baby’s treatment is far beyond his capacity to afford
Srinivas and Sheela left their small town in Chikmagalur, seeking a bigger and more-equipped hospital in Bangalore. While their baby was delivered and has been in stable condition in the NICU, he may not survive without prolonged treatment. These parents, having already experienced the loss of a child, will not be able to endure losing him too. They need INR 12 lakhs more to keep their baby’s treatment going, but it is an impossible amount for them to afford.
“I am a coolie and manage to earn about 300 rupees a day, but my work depends on availability. There are days where we have had to struggle because I had no work, and hence didn’t earn anything. Times are hard, and along with my wife and newborn child, I also have to take care of my aging mother. I have used up everything we had and even borrowed money with heavy interest rates from moneylenders. Yet, I have managed to pay only about 1 lakh rupees of the total expenses. Anything more is absolutely impossible for me. How will I save my child when I have no money?” - Srinivas
These parents have been blessed with the gift of parenthood after 15 long years of yearning and waiting. Without your help, they won’t be able to save their little miracle - their newborn son. Click here to donate.
