‘Miscarriage’ baby’s mum recalls Princess of Wales’ surprise visit

A baby born so early that she was classified as a “late miscarriage” has gone home with her family after nearly a year in hospital – a stay which included a surprise visit from the Princess of Wales.

Amaya-Rae was born at 23 weeks and her parents were told that she would not survive.

Babies born before the 24-week limit are deemed to be “incompatible with life” meaning the medical team were not legally obligated to intervene, but did promise to do their best to save her.

Finally home

When mother Mischa Hand went into early labour doctors tried to delay the delivery but eventually told her there was nothing they could do to stop the baby coming.

When the medics asked if the parents would like to “hear the heartbeat one last time”, the 27-year-old mother recalled: “I shut down and tried to mentally prepare for the fact I would never have my baby.”

Doctors told them on eight separate occasions to “say goodbye” but Amaya-Rae is now 17 months old and at home with her family.

Royal visit

The family met the Duchess of Cambridge when Amaya was being treated at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

The princess, who is a patron of the hospital, visited during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to encourage families who were unable to celebrate.

Mischa recalled: “Catherine was so lovely, she listened intently to Amaya’s story and genuinely seemed so taken with her and asked such a lot of questions.”