When her mom had to undergo an emergency Caesarean section due to high blood pressure and two strokes while she was five months along, E’Layah Faith Pegues only weighed a mere 10 ounces, barely one pound. The normal weight at birth is about 7 pounds and above.
Even when she drew first breath, the odds had been stacked up against her. But, despite it all, E’layah managed not only to survive but to thrive.
Now, at four months old, she is headed home.
E’Layah is one of the smallest surviving babies in the world
Though not entirely impossible, E’Layah’s triumph is something to be celebrated, and it is truly a miracle, according to Dr. Jessica Clarke-Pounder, a neonatologist at Levine Children’s Hospital, where E’layah was born.
She told Fox46 news, “It’s a miracle that she survived even today, so I think had she been born 10 or 16 years ago, it’s very unlikely that she would’ve survived.”
Currently tipping the scales at 5 pounds and 8 ounces, doctors expect her to develop normally, save for a few challenges along the way.
Her impressive weight gain was partly due to a special formula loaded with extra nutrients which managed to nourish E’Layah through a feeding tube during her delicate state.
E’Layah’s mom Megan Smith told Fox46 news that although she feels anxious, she is mostly looking forward to finally bringing her baby daughter home.
photo: Carolinas Healthcare System
Her two older brothers, who haven’t seen her since she was born, are also excited to finally get to know her.
“I want to know who she is because she is feisty,” mom Megan added. “She fought to be here.”
Inside Edition also reported about E’layah’s inspiring story. You can watch it below.
top image: dreamstime
WATCH: These adorable premature twins holding hands just really love each other
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