A baby girl born 17 weeks premature has recently been discharged from the hospital after spending four months there due to a curfew.
Tiffany Bushell, 32, and her husband Matthew, 30, residing in Watford, Hertfordshire, had little hope for their daughter Millie's survival during her initial five weeks on a ventilator at St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey.
Millie, born weighing only 1.07 ounces with a significant heart cavity, ceased breathing just two days after birth. However, against all odds, the resilient infant managed to survive, and her parents are now celebrating her recent return home.
Expressing her amazement, Tiffany said, "She's a marvel. Now that she's here, it's a tremendous relief. Her return home makes us realize how far she's come."
Due to lockdown restrictions, Matthew could only spend ten minutes with his newborn daughter before having to leave the hospital. During the first week, he communicated with Millie through video contact, while Tiffany was limited to two hours of daily visitation, holding her only while wearing mittens.
Millie also battled several infections, including suspected sepsis, and underwent surgery to repair the hole in her heart. The Bushell family had previously experienced tragedy in 2018 when they lost their first daughter, Ruby, just 24 weeks and three days after birth.
Matthew expressed his happiness at Millie's return, saying, "We're ecstatic that she's returned. It's like being on Cloud Nine. We're satisfied – we've waited so long for this moment."
The newly reunited family plans to spend the next few weeks resting and introducing their newborn daughter to relatives who were unable to visit during her time at the hospital.
Tiffany added, "It's great that a few family and acquaintances have finally been able to see her. I'm thrilled she's returned. Leaving her was an emotionally exhausting experience. I want to spend as much time as possible in her home."
