Baby born at 23 weeks who survived rare infection now one-year-old

A baby born a week before Britain’s abortion limit has celebrated his first birthday after doctors said he was unlikely to survive complications following birth.

Mum Kenidee Brownbill gave birth to Mason at 23 weeks and weighing only 1lb 6oz (610g). At 12 days old he underwent surgery for the rare infection necrotising enterocolitis. Two months later, his left leg had to be amputated after it lost circulation.

But Mason was discharged from hospital in December 2021, and is reported to be improving and slowly being weaned off oxygen.

‘Little fighter’

Mum Kenidee said: “Before his birth, I was prepped by the doctors from the newborn intensive care unit who said he would likely not be breathing by himself or make any noises when he came out. But my little fighter was breathing and made a little sound.

“When Mason was born he could fit into the palms of your hands”.

Abortion in Britain is permitted up to 24 weeks for most reasons but is available at full-term for children deemed to have a disability.

Joy

Earlier this year, the mother of a baby boy who was given only a 15 per cent chance of survival spoke of her delight as she welcomed him home.

Lucas was born at 23 weeks and four days when mum, Sarah Chialton, went into early labour. He weighed just 1lb 3oz (539g).

Despite suffering six different infections, two collapsed lungs and sepsis during his stay on a neonatal unit, Lucas recovered and was discharged from Liverpool Women’s Hospital in March.