Posted on 03/05/2005 3:19:49 AM PST by beaversmom
MOBILE, Ala. - A medical team at the University of South Alabama's Children's & Women's Hospital have closely monitored the progress of a newborn who weighed only 10 ounces at birth on Feb. 15.
His parents, Phillip and Monica Whitlock, said tiny Malachi Andreas Whitlock is so far holding his own.
"I feel he's got 100 percent chance of survival," his father said.
They said they chose the name Malachi because it's one of the smallest books of the Bible, and Malachi means "messenger of God."
"He's so small, and he's sent a message to us of what love is," the father said.
Dr. Fabien Eyal, the director of USA's neonatal intensive care unit, said, "Everybody's pulling for him, but we know they're in for a very tough time."
Monica Whitlock had an emergency cesarean section after developing high blood pressure.
Malachi, at 10 ounces, weighed about 290 grams at birth. Most babies placed in the unit, Eyal said, weigh around 400 grams. One baby, born at 350 grams, did survive and went home this week.
Eyal attributed the "incredibly low birth weight" to the fact that Malachi stopped growing before his birth. He put Malachi's actual development at 20 weeks at the time of birth.
The normal gestation period is 40 weeks.
Eyal said babies born at 22 to 24 weeks are at "the limit of viability."
My heart aches and can only imagine what Malachi's parents are going through. There are no words. I feel so sad for his mom and dad. I am so glad they were able to hold their darling baby before he passed.
Just got photos from my friend who is a new grandma and when I saw her grandson it made me happy but also made me feel so awful for Malachi's parents. They will be together one day for sure...in the meantime, my heart goes out for them and their loss.
I'm so sorry as we all are that this had to end this way because all of us were praying like we did for Logan. I only wish we could have seen Malachi grow as we are now doing with Logan.
Thank you for the information........:(
Thanks BG. I so wish I could make it. Bless this whole family.
Thank you everybody! It really helps us to read all of these posts. It really touches our hearts to know that he touched so many people's lives. He truly was an angel!
Monica
I am so sorry... I cannot imagine the grief you must be going through.
Pretty neat group of prayer warriors we've got here, Monica. We've never met, most of us, and yet we seem to gather in times of need and form an INCREDIBLE bond.
Someday we'd be honored if you could join us. Not now, but someday...
Right now, you have a Phillip to go hug. :)
May G-d comfort and bless your whole family and all who loved Malachi. I will never forget him. His job to do here on Earth was so short; he must have been near perfect already.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
He truly was.
Thank you everybody! It really helps us to read all of these posts. It really touches our hearts to know that he touched so many people's lives. He truly was an angel!
Monica
2,003 posted on 04/26/2005 8:53:05 PM PDT by malachismom
My wife is pregnant with our twin daughters. They are at 25 weeks now and according to the doctor will be premies. My wife is very small and she is having difficult time. So your son's situation hit close to home for us. Again I would like to express my sympathies to you and yours. You and your husband have friends here so we will be here. God Bless you and yours.
BTTT!!!!!!!
Though Malachi truly touched all our hearts and lives, we find his parents pretty special people, too. You and Phillip will remain in our prayers on into the future. May God hold you close and see you through the days ahead.
He IS an angel even right now. I really do believe that our ancestors and family pray for us on our behalf. Some things with the soul aren't measurable by human instruments BUT Malachi was completely aware of your presence and has now carried that into God's light.
Lets fill that place with flowers folks........
You cared so deeply for your little son - he knew he was loved, and God saw your heart. My sympathies for your loss, my respect for your faith and kindness.
Flowers are on their way from the Eaker family.
We're all here for both of you, for prayers and care. Just because you let your child go home doesn't mean that we left too.
You both remain in my Prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sometimes it is so hard when the Lord has plans other than the ones we wish for at the moment, and sometimes his answer to our prayer is just that He has other plans. I do know how it is. We lost a baby at six weeks of age many years ago. He had many physical challenges and I have accepted it, although it was a very sad time. May the Lord comfort you all.
Flowers are wonderful, though some of us may choose to help out with the hospital bills in lew of flowers. I'm sure all forms of acknowledgements will be welcome.
BTTT for prayer for the two of you...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.