In Deyang, Sichuan Province, China, a baby girl was born prematurely at 25 weeks due to placental previa causing bleeding in the mother. Because of severe prematurity, she weighed only 650 grams at birth. Fortunately, under the careful care of medical staff, she, nicknamed “Palm Sister” by everyone, finally discharged from the hospital.
The mother of the baby girl, named “Joy,” was pregnant in 2023. However, it was soon discovered that she had placental previa, and symptoms of bleeding appeared in November. After emergency medical treatment, doctors determined that immediate surgery was necessary, including the removal of the uterus, which might result in the loss of the child.
On November 10th, the hospital successfully performed the surgery and assisted the mother in giving birth to the baby girl, “Joy.” However, she was born weighing only 650 grams, the size of an adult’s palm, with arms as thin as adult fingers. She was immediately placed in an incubator.
Medical staff explained that extremely premature infants are abnormally sensitive to external stimuli. Even a slightly louder voice or gentle touch with a stethoscope can cause a decrease in heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. Therefore, the nursing team isolated a relatively enclosed and quiet space for the baby girl, simulating the uterine environment, strictly controlling light and darkness, temperature and humidity, and noise to minimize stimulation. After relentless efforts and meticulous care, the baby girl was weaned off the ventilator on January 18th, started breathing independently, and was discharged on February 29th. Nurses moved by newborn baby’s reaction, tried to help remove residual amniotic fluid from the respiratory tract.
Nurses recalled that the baby girl was the most cared-for patient in the pediatric ward. Every day, the first thing everyone did after starting work was to check on the “Palm Sister” in the incubator, and they would also take another look before leaving work. They accompanied her from her birth at only 650 grams to her healthy growth now, and everyone was deeply moved.
On the day of discharge, the baby girl’s parents tearfully thanked the hospital, expressing gratitude for giving their daughter a second chance at life. They also expressed hope that their child could become a pediatrician in the future to help more babies get a new life.