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."
Bumping your prayer Gramma!
Lord, give extra support and strength to Phillip and Monica as they say goodbye to Malachi today. Let them turn to each other ever closer in the days to come. Comfort them, in Jesus' name. Amen
MALACHI'S FUNREAL WAS PERFECT IT COULD NOT OF BEEN ANY BETTER JUST LETTING EVERYBODY KNOW
LOTS OF LOVE
PHILLIP
My prayers are still with you and your wife. May God Bless you both.
You two have been in my prayers and on my mind all day. Thank God for allowing you to see the beauty in Malachi's funeral. May He sustain you in the days to come. Hold on to one another.
You and your husband are in my prayers.
Phillip, Monica....we've been praying for you and will continue to do so ... forever. You've become very VERY dear to our hearts.
Everyone else...this is from Phillip, post #2023...
MALACHI'S FUNERAL WAS PERFECT IT COULD NOT OF BEEN ANY BETTER JUST LETTING EVERYBODY KNOW
LOTS OF LOVE
PHILLIP
(Romans 10:17)
(Romans 5:1)
Thank you for the ping---
Malachi's mommy and daddy, I am so very sorry for your loss.
God Bless you both in your time of grief.
sleuth
:) Am so very sorry. So VERY sorry.
Thy will be done my Lord.
5.56mm
Thank you for letting us know, Phillip. I am so very proud of you and Monica for how strong you both are. Of course your paths have taken a turn from which you will forever be changed. Bless you for your strength, dedication and unwaivering faith. It will carry you through life, a banner to wear proudly. (((HUG to you both))) from amom.
Please visit us often.
Thank you, once again, for the pings. :-)
As we are financialy unable to help with flowers or bills please accept my prayers.
I continue in prayer for Malachi's mom and dad and all the loved ones!
You're not the only one, Alamo-Girl. I thank you for your care!!
I prayed for you and Monica on the way to work today. I'm happy that Malachi's funeral went so well. Our angel must have been smiling and comforting the people who love him so much.
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