In a remarkable and inspiring medical achievement, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, saved a micro-preemie born at just 23 weeks and 6 days, weighing only 690 grams. Under the leadership of Dr. Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant – Neonatology and Paediatrics, and the dedicated NICU team, Baby Kaval (name changed) survived multiple life-threatening complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, apnea of prematurity, a large PDA, anemia, neonatal jaundice, and severe immune weakness.
Baby’s Recovery After 78 Days of Intensive Care
After 78 days in the NICU, the baby reached a healthy weight of 1.92 kg, transitioned to full oral feeds, maintained stable breathing, and was discharged safely. Currently, he weighs 2.56 kg, continues to thrive, and is achieving developmental milestones during follow-up visits.
A Sudden Emergency After Birth
Couple Rama and Rajesh Shirke (names changed), residents of Mumbra, welcomed their first child with joy, but fear quickly took over as their newborn struggled for life. The baby was born prematurely after a pregnancy complicated by oligohydramnios and maternal fever. He cried weakly at birth at a local hospital and required immediate oxygen support. The “NICU on Wheels” team rushed to the facility, stabilized him, and safely transported him to Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar.
Life-Threatening Challenges in the NICU
As per the press release, the newborn faced severe challenges due to extreme prematurity—including underdeveloped lungs, fragile organs, infection risks, heart complications, feeding intolerance, and bone and blood issues. The team provided mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, parenteral nutrition, tube feeding, PDA management, antibiotics, supplements, and round-the-clock monitoring.
Expert Medical Care and Continuous Teamwork
According to Dr. Anish Pillai, “When the baby arrived on 1st August 2025, he was extremely fragile and weighed just 690 grams. Babies born this early struggle because their organs are not ready to function independently. We focused on stabilizing his breathing and preventing infections.”
He explained that the team gradually weaned the baby from mechanical ventilation to non-invasive support while managing his heart condition, feeding intolerance, and weak immunity through continuous monitoring.
Overcoming the Odds
Dr. Pillai further emphasised that India records nearly 3.5 million preterm births annually, making such cases common yet extremely challenging. He noted that the team strictly maintained infection control, ensured safe ventilation, and provided careful nutrition. Regular monitoring of brain scans, eye exams, and hearing checks showed steady improvement.
Step by step, the baby’s lungs strengthened, his PDA closed with timely treatment, his brain bleed resolved, and his bones improved. His feeding advanced from tube feeds to full breastfeeding.
Nutritional Support and Steady Growth
Feeding an extremely low birth weight baby required extreme caution. The baby initially received parenteral nutrition before progressing to tiny tube feeds of mother’s milk. As his intestines adapted, the team fortified his feeds to meet calorie and nutrient needs. He also developed osteopenia and anemia, both managed with supplements and transfusions. Over time, he transitioned fully to breastfeeding and bottle feeds, reaching a discharge weight of 1.92 kg.
A Family’s Gratitude
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, the baby’s father shared, “Our baby was born too soon, but he fought every single day. The team at Motherhood Hospital gave us confidence and hope from day one. They cared for him like their own child. Today, our son is healthy, active, and growing well. We feel truly blessed.”