The smallest baby ever born at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, was celebrated by staff across the hospital as she was discharged last week following four months in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“Born at just 22 weeks, Baby Zahraliz Francis Angueira, the smallest baby ever born at Saint Francis Hospital, graduated from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after four months and headed home today!” the hospital posted to Instagram. “Our colleagues from across the hospital gathered to provide well wishes to the family and celebrate their story of hope.”
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In an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media, NICU director Jose Arias-Camison, M.D. said Zahraliz was considered a “micro-preemie” when she was born four months early, weighing just 12.4 ounces.
The infant, who was discharged three days after her original due date at a weight of seven pounds, five ounces, had been on an oxygen feed throughout her time in the NICU, Arias-Camison explained, anticipating the newborn should be breathing without aid soon.
“We always hope for the best, but always try to prepare families for the worst,” Arias, 60, said. “We try very hard not to get emotionally involved because it can be heartbreaking. But when things go well, it’s rewarding.”
The physician said he will always remember his tiniest patient and applauded the nurses and other NICU team members who helped her survive.
Zahraliz Francis Angueira is the daughter of Neyzhaliz Angueira and Joseph Gorman.
According to a hospital news release, Neyzhaliz Angueira was admitted to the hospital on February 18 with preterm labor symptoms and was “counseled on ways to prolong her pregnancy, as well as the risks involved, including the potential loss of the infant.”
However, the mother became ill with a respiratory virus two days later and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further care.
Zahraliz Francis Angueira was then born on February 22 – just 11 inches long – and facing a high risk for major complications.
Arias-Camison said that, since the baby’s lungs were under-developed, the initial concern was helping her to breathe, Hearst Media reported.
The doctor noted that Zahraliz Francis Angueira was placed on a ventilator and was “very fragile,” with transparent skin.
The NICU team also monitored the tiny patient for infections, a second primary concern, though using their available equipment was challenging on Zahraliz Francis Angueira’s tiny body.
“She was so small,” Arias-Camison said. “It gets complicated.”
“I just want to share with everyone how caring the people I met at Saint Francis were,” said Neyzhaliz Angueira in a statement in the hospital’s press release. “I am so grateful for the kindness and support that was given to us.”
The state of Connecticut protects the right to abortion up until 24 weeks of pregnancy, which is claimed to be the point at which a baby can survive outside his or her mother’s womb.
In August 2021, BBC reported the baby thought to be “the world’s smallest at birth” was Kwek Yu Xuan, born in a Singapore hospital at 7.47 ounces, about the weight of an apple, and delivered at just under 25 weeks. The infant was discharged after 13 months of treatment.
“Against the odds, with health complications present at birth, she has inspired people around her with her perseverance and growth, which makes her an extraordinary ‘Covid-19’ baby – a ray of hope amid turmoil,” the hospital said.
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Susan Berry, PhD is national education editor at The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “ Zahraliz Francis Angueira” by Saint Francis Hospital.
