IT WASN’T until 25 days after her son’s birth that Altona mum Debra Stokes was able to give Isaac his first cuddle.
Now aged two, Isaac was born at 25 weeks and six days – nearly four months premature. He weighed just 897 grams.
The first four months of his life were spent in hospital and on several occasions Ms Stokes says he was “knocking on heaven’s door”.
Before Isaac came along, Ms Stokes and her husband Caine also suffered two pregnancy losses.
“He is our miracle baby in every respect,” she says. “Isaac earned the nickname the ‘Lil warrior man’ because of his fight, determination and resilience.”
Now Ms Stokes runs an Altona-based support group for parents across the west who have a premature or sick newborn.
“It’s to provide support to the families that have gone through such a traumatic experience,” she said.
“You’re talking about families that have dealt with long-term trauma or episodes of dealing with things that people don’t expect to have to deal with.”
She said the Miracle Babies NurtureGroup provided a safe haven for premature and sick children who had low immune systems. Even a runny nose could land a ‘premmie’ child in hospital.
The group meets on Friday mornings at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
Details: visit miraclebabies.org.au or phone 1300622243.
