Earliest Preemie's Release Delayed

(CBS/AP)  A premature baby who doctors said spent less time in the womb than any other surviving infant will remain in a hospital a few extra days as a precaution, officials said Tuesday.

Amillia Sonja Taylor, born Oct. 24 after just under 22 weeks in the womb, had been expected to be sent home Tuesday.

Barbara Moore, spokeswoman for Baptist Children's Hospital, said she did not have details on why doctors changed their minds about releasing the infant.

Doctors say Amillia is the first baby known to have survived after a gestation of fewer than 23 weeks. She was just 9½ inches long and weighed less than 10 ounces when she was delivered by Caesarean section. Full-term births come after 37 to 40 weeks.

Amillia, the first child for Eddie and Sonja Taylor of Homestead, now weighs 4½ pounds.

She has suffered respiratory and digestive problems, as well as a mild brain hemorrhage, but doctors believe the health concerns will not have major long-term effects.

"Her prognosis is excellent," said Dr. Paul Fassbach, who has cared for Amillia since her second day.

"She smiles, so everything a baby's supposed to do for her age, she's doing — which is amazing because they told me she would be developmentally delayed. She surprised us all," said the baby's mother, Sonja Taylor.

Amillia was conceived in vitro and has been in an incubator since birth. She will continue to receive a small amount of supplemental oxygen even after she goes home.

[wiccantexan]

huangagain, you still haven't addressed my question of 02:26 PM : Feb 20, 2007. Still waiting.

[nabilahgirl]

God is sooo wonderful. Amillia is a true Miracle. With prayer and faith this little girl will grow to be a very smart woman. Not being slow or having health problems. She has already done the impossible.

[costanoan]

...and, if not, explain to me - I implore you - why that child deserved its existence while you and I flourish.

Nighty-night. We'll meet again.

[costanoan]

Want to know what I do on the side:
Posted by singinrick at 08:53 PM : Feb 20, 2007

Nope, but thanks.

I'm still mystified by your posts of yesterday. Today's confound me further.

Ever heard of Kevin Carter? Pulitzer Prize-winning Kevin Carter? Use some of your employer's time and look him up, if not. Find the picture that probably pushed him over the edge to suicide. For the life of me, I cannot fathom a God who gives you and me great lives and gives that child its destiny.

As much as you deny it, my dear, it's the luck of the draw.

[costanoan]

Since I know you can't stay away, I'll go ahead and answer your question. Yes, my life is a good one -- better than most, in fact. I am fortunate.

[costanoan]

By your own admission, you sit at a computer among other things. I, too, sit at a computer all day long. My employer is not paying me to post. I do so on my breaks. I respect the employer/employee relationship. That is who I am to judge in this instance.

Oh, go eat your dinner!

[costanoan]

Not to worry - no glory has been attributed to you.

[costanoan]

"Amongst"? Who says "amongst"?? Use that in everyday conversation, do you?

[costanoan]

piousrick - Unless you are being paid to post, you are stealing from your employer. I thought stealing was one of the biggies!

[costanoan]

-LOL! Getting ready to leave my job here in 30 minutes. My life is definitely none of your concern. You can be rest assured that God has blessed my life tremendously, that I have a very loving family, that my wife and I have a healthy, stable relationship, and that my kids are healthy, well taken care of, and educated on the Bible.

Any more interview questions my friend? Lots of people post on these boards all day....I'm allowed to as well, as much as you can't stand it!


Have a good afternoon!
Posted by singinrick at 05:34 PM : Feb 20, 2007

Yes, BTW, I do have one more question. So you post all day while you're being paid to work? Since you're trying to swing some of us to your side, my questions have some validity.

You bring to mind those I see with little fishes on their cars who whiz by me on the interstate at unbelievably high speeds.

And, thank you - I had a lovely afternoon.