Wednesday, December 23, 2009

World’s Smallest Baby Almost Ready To Go Home

MOBILE, Alabama - The world's smallest baby will get to go home from the hospital soon.


WKRG.com News

Oliviyanna Harbin-Page was born August 5th at USA Children's & Women's Hospital. At the time she weighed just 9.1 ounces (259 grams), one gram less than the previous record holder, a girl born in Illinois in 2004. To put that in perspective, Oliviyanna was about the size of a coke can.

“She’s very independent and high-spirited, like me,” her mother, Jamesha Harbin of Eight Mile, said. Oliviyanna is the smallest of a set of triplets born at 24 weeks. “It’s a miracle,” said Robert Page Jr. “Three beautiful girls, and I’m very proud to be their father.”

Oriyanna (1 lbs., 4 oz.) and Tayzanna (1 lbs., 5 oz.) have already gone home. Oliviyanna is expected to join them in a few weeks. All three babies are in good health.

“She has no specific risks for a bad outcome,” said Dr. Charles Hamm, professor of neonatal-perinatal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “Like all premature babies, her health will be fragile for the next couple of years and there is always some risk for long-term challenges.”

"The advances in treatment for premature babies are very encouraging," Dr. Becky DeVillier, USA Children's & Women's Hospital administrator, said. "We're thrilled for this family and their new additions, and we’re happy to have played a role in this miracle story."

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