16-Day-Old Premature Baby Needs To Stay In The NICU To Survive

“The day after my baby was born, I walked into the NICU, eagerly looking for him. The nurse pointed to an incubator, and my body went numb. With trembling hands, I went closer. That was the first time I saw my baby, with tubes all over his body. What should have been a moment of happiness, was a terrifying experience. He was crying in pain and I could do nothing to comfort him.”  - Vani, baby's mother

Their newborn's only experience of the world has been pain

A couple of weeks ago, Vani and Stephen had a beautiful baby boy. However, he was born in the eighth month of her pregnancy and was underweight. Their baby was also suffering from jaundice for two days and was kept in NICU. Within a few days, his condition worsened when he started to vomit frequently and had a high fever.  After various tests, they were told their tiny baby not only had an infection in his intestine, but also a hole in his stomach. 

“My husband and I thought he would recover soon, but fate struck a cruel blow when we discovered our baby’s condition is worse than we could ever imagine. Even before we could understand the whole situation, we had to start his treatment. There was no time to waste. We did everything we could to try and save him, but now it's not enough.” 

Their baby boy is still not out of danger and needs continued treatment to live

The little one was just 7-days-old when he underwent a major surgery where the hole in his stomach was closed. But their baby is still not out of danger. He needs to stay in the NICU to get stronger and can't survive a life outside the incubator yet. He was fed through a tube in his mouth, but it wasn't enough to save him - another feeding tube has been inserted through his leg to help him recover faster.

“I can't help but break down when I see him with all the tubes. It's so dreadful to watch him cry out of pain and hunger. I want to hold my little baby in arms. I haven't even breast fed him. All I can do is stand by and watch him go through all this. I feel helpless and fear for his life every second."

His helpless parents are running out of time and money to save him

Stephen, who works in a private company, now finds himself at a dead-end. He earns Rs 16,000 in a month, and it isn't enough to continue his baby's treatment. He was somehow able to afford a safe delivery for his wife, but saving his son is beyond his capacity. Without medical care and attention, Vani and Stephen might never get to take their baby home with them. 

How You Can Help 

Their baby needs to stay in the NICU for another 6 weeks to recover completely, without this, their baby won't be able to survive. Unfortunately, Stephen and Vani have nothing left to continue treatment. Your support will save their 16-day-old baby's life.

Your support can save their 16-day-old baby boy's life.