When Carolyn Isbister developed a uterine infection at 24 weeks pregnant, doctors' fears of premature birth came true. She went into labor and gave birth to a very underdeveloped 20-oz girl. Baby Rachael’s heart was beating only once every 10 seconds and she wasn’t breathing, so doctors had the baby wrapped up in a blanket and set her in a bassinet, waiting for her to die.
The mother decided she didn’t want the baby to die cold and alone. So she lifted her up and place baby Rachael on her chest where they could say their good-byes.
What nobody expected to happen did: Rachael’s heart started beating regulary, she started breathing, her color turned from ashy gray to pink! Eventually, she even began to cry. Saved by a cuddle!
Doctors said that the baby had proven herself a fighter and got her into intensive care, hooked her up to all machines and, well, pretty much got Rachael the rest of the way to this happy ending. The parents were, to say the least, ecstatic, the doctor incredulous. And after finishing out the four months of her gestation in the hospital, the family took and 8-pound baby home, where, despite some eye problems and other effects of being born so underdeveloped, she’s a thriving, happy infant.
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