21oz baby Savannah back home after being born 11 weeks early
A couple can finally bring their baby girl home from hospital after she was born 11 weeks premature.
Doctors had warned that Savannah Payne-Cooper might not make it when she was born on November 1, 2016 – nearly three months before her due date – weighing just one pound five ounces.
After being told during a 28-week check-up their baby was not developing as normal, Claire Payne-Cooper, a 34-year-old family support worker and her husband, Robert, a 35-year-old retail supervisor, were dealt another blow when doctors said there was a high chance they could lose Savannah.
But thankfully that was not to be the case as, despite still needing oxygen, Savannah now weighs four pounds and is back at home in Lyndale Road, Netherton, with her loving parents.
Claire said: "When we were told by a doctor that she may not make it, it absolutely destroyed us. It cut us in two, but not long after that she was born. When the doctors told us that she was in good health despite her size, it was an unbelievable feeling, we were delighted. She is back home now and it is wonderful to have her here.
"We were in hospital for 11 weeks, she came out just four days before her due date.
"She keeps us on our toes but we are so happy and she is getting stronger all the time."
Now the couple are planning to thank staff at Russell's Hall Hospital, New Cross Hospital and Birmingham Women's Hospital by raising money at a charity event.
They have organised a fun day at Brook Street Community Centre, in Tipton, on April 2. The couple have also already raised £518.
Claire said: "Staff did so much for us, we just want to thank them any way we can.
"Without them, not only would Savannah not have got the amazing care she needed and deserved, me and Robert would have been under a lot more stress.
"They were there for us as people too. There were obviously emotional times when we felt like we were always taking one step forward but 10 steps back.
"They helped us keep calm. If I could give one piece of advice to any parents in a similar situation to us, it would be: Don't lose faith in that baby. They are fighters. That's something I have seen for myself."
