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'Little Miracle' rewards Mum's determination to keep fighting
IT WAS a decision new mum Laura Shaw knew she would never be able to make.
Whether or not to allow doctors to continue helping her premature baby or withdraw treatment.
When the 19-year-old gave birth to baby Harley 15 weeks prematurely, after becoming ill during pregnancy, doctors told her he wouldn't live out the week.
Laura and partner Paul Watson were left heart-broken after doctors at Leeds General Infirmary said there was nothing they could do to save their tiny 1lb 8oz son.
They said in cases similar to Harley's, parents were advised that the best thing was to stop treatment.
Laura, from Harehills, Leeds, said: "I knew no matter how bad the situation was I would never be able to allow them to switch his incubator off.
"It was such an awful time and there were so many things going through my head. Harley was so poorly he didn't even look like a baby.
"We couldn't get answers and all I could think about was how this could have happened to us.
"But I knew deep down I had to give him a chance to fight for his life."
Baby Harley battled on and made it through his first week thanks to the care he received at the neo natal unit at the LGI.
Now five months on, and five brain operations later, he is still fighting as hard as ever.
Laura said: "Harley is still very poorly. He is receiving treatment at the hospital almost every day.
"The doctors think he has suffered long term brain damage and we have to wait and see to what extent it will be.
"He is also not responding very well to sounds for a baby of his age and he has probably suffered hearing impairment.
"But the most important thing is that he is still with us and that's amazing. I call him our little miracle and am so proud of him."
Laura gave birth on February 6 – way ahead of Harley's expected due date of May 21 – after going to hospital feeling unwell.
She was told by doctors she had a water infection but soon after began having contractions. "I know there are a lot of parents out there who go through the pain of seeing their child prematurely," Laura said.
"I just hope that what has happened with Harley will give them hope and never to give up hoping and believing."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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