‘Miracle baby’: world’s most premature baby celebrates first birthday

Originally published in CBN News

When Richard Scott William Hutchinson was born nearly four months early, he was given a 0% chance of survival. He was so small, could fit into the palm of one of his parents’ hands.  

Not only did he beat those extreme odds, but he’s also made history and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, all before celebrating his first birthday.

He weighed only 11.9 ounces (337 grams) at birth. That’s one-tenth the average weight of a full-term newborn, according to Guinness. 

Richard celebrated his first birthday on June 5. He’s been called a “miracle baby” by the records company. 

Guinness World Records officially recognised him as “the most premature baby” ever to survive.

Richard has come a long way since being discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis six months ago, just like his parents believed he would.

Richard’s neonatologist at Children’s Minnesota, Dr Stacy Kern, told Guinness she believes Richard’s parents’ dedication to their son played a key part in his survival. 

“I credit his miraculous survival to his wonderful parents who were there for him every step of the way and to the entire neonatology team at Children’s Minnesota. It takes a village to care for and support these babies until the time they are ready to go home,” she said. 

Dr Kern also added that in his own way, Richard also taught her something. 

“He taught me what it truly means to be resilient and, every time I look at him, I’m reminded how strong and amazing all these little beautiful babies are!” she said.

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