Parents of UK’s smallest baby share their joy

The parents of the UK’s smallest baby at birth have shared their joy of getting to hold her for the first time.

Hannah Stibbles was born via caesarean section at 25 weeks on 30 December 2021, weighing just 11 ounces. Parents Brandon and Ellie were told by doctors that she only had a 20 per cent chance of survival, as “babies that small don’t survive”.

But much to their delight, Hannah has continued to develop, including opening her eyes and recognising her parents’ voices.

‘Amazingly well’

Speaking to The Independent, dad Brandon shared how the couple had been with their daughter at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow since she was born. Hannah now weighs 19 ounces.

He said: “We have both got to hold her a couple of times”, adding: “Her eyes have opened and she’s pretty aware now. She was waving at us, and we wave back. We are there all day, every day.”

Mum Ellie added that Hannah had done “amazingly well”, despite developing chronic lung disease, meaning she is likely to require oxygen when she leaves the hospital.

‘Cuddles’

The couple told how they are counting down the days until Hannah can be moved to a hospital closer to home, making it easier for them to stay with her.

Brandon shared how Hannah “definitely recognises our voices when we speak to her. She starts waving her hands” and “absolutely loves skin to skin contact”.

“The best her numbers have been is when she has cuddles.”

Record

Last year, the world’s smallest newborn was discharged from hospital after 13 months of treatment.

Kwek Yu Xuan was 24cm long and just 7.47oz, the approximate weight of an apple, when she was born in Singapore by caesarean section at less than 25 weeks.

And in 2020, the parents of Baby Mimi Marks in Australia shared how their tiny baby had defied the odds to be allowed home.

Mimi weighed just 13oz when she was born in April at only 26 weeks.