Imogen Stonehouse, who was born at 22 weeks gestation, has defied the odds to become one of the world’s most premature survivors. Imogen was born minutes after arriving at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea on September 6, 2020, weighing only 515g (1lb 1oz).
Her 28-year-old mother, Rachel Stonehouse, remarked, “Imogen has endured more than we will in our lifetimes, and she has triumphed.” Rachel and her partner Corey were rushed to the hospital by ambulance after Rachel experienced a haemorrhage before her waters broke.
Imogen was placed in a bag in an incubator to simulate the womb, and despite having less than a 10% chance of survival, she overcame numerous obstacles, including a heart murmur, a pulmonary haemorrhage, sepsis, and numerous blood transfusions. Rachel was able to breastfeed Imogen until she was 16 weeks old, and midwives assisted her in expressing colostrum.
The hospital housed the couple nearby for thirteen weeks so that they could spend as much time as possible with Imogen. Imogen was transferred to the Princess of Wales Hospital’s special care baby unit on January 15, 2021, where she remained for an additional 34 days before being allowed to return home.
Now, after 132 days in the hospital, the six-month-old is back home in Bridgend, where her organs are functioning normally and she has no vision or hearing issues. Rachel has been informed that there is a 40% chance of her labour occurring again, but she is currently enjoying every moment of being a new mother.
Rachel stated that she would be eternally grateful to the NHS for their care and support. She stated, “They are not exaggerating when they call these nurses and doctors “superheroes in scrubs.” We could not have accomplished all that we have without their assistance.”
The story of Imogen Stonehouse’s birth is one of perseverance and optimism; it is a remarkable tale of defying the odds. She was born at only 22 weeks gestation and weighed only 515g (1lb 1oz). Imogen was released from the hospital after 132 days against all odds and is now thriving at home in Bridgend with her parents Rachel and Corey.
When Rachel arrived at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Wales, just days after Imogen’s gender reveal party, doctors gave her less than a 10% chance of survival. Imogen overcame numerous obstacles, such as a heart murmur, pulmonary haemorrhage, sepsis, and numerous blood transfusions. With the assistance of midwives providing colostrum and Rachel expressing breastmilk until 16 weeks, Imogen had the best chance of survival possible.
The family also benefited from the hospital’s support; they were housed nearby for 13 weeks so they could spend as much time as possible with Imogen, and Rachel and Corey received counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Doctors are pleased with Imogen’s organs, and she has no vision or hearing issues. Rachel has been informed that there is a 40% chance of her labour occurring again, but she is currently enjoying every moment of being a new mother. She stated that she would be eternally grateful to the NHS for their care and support.
The story of Imogen Stonehouse’s birth is one of triumph of hope over adversity. This tiny infant has defied all odds to survive and thrive, a testament to the efficacy of modern medicine and the commitment of healthcare professionals everywhere.
