Mum Debra Stokes, pictured with son Isaac, founded an Altona support group for parents of premature babies. 87734 Picture: MATHEW LYNN
By ALESHA CAPONE
PINT-SIZED Altona resident Isaac has truly earned his nickname of the ‘Lil’ Warrior Man’.
The two-year-old spent 130 days in hospital after he was born 14 weeks premature.
Weighing only 897 grams, mother Debra Stokes said the infant Isaac was about the size of his father’s hand.
“He is now a fit and healthy two-year-old who has been in and out of hospital with lung issues which is only to be expected after he was ventilated for so long after being born,” Ms Stokes said.
For the first six weeks of his life, a machine did Isaac’s breathing for him.
“He was born on 19 May and I couldn’t hold him until June,” Ms Stokes said.
“He came home on 27 September 2010 and came off oxygen on 5 September 2011.
“That’s the thing about pre-mature mums, we remember everything.”
While in hospital Ms Stokes discovered the Miracle Babies Foundation which provides programs
for families with pre-mature and sick babies.
In February this year, Ms Stokes started the foundation’s Altona Nurture Group for other mothers in the West who have had experiences similar to hers.
The parents chat while the youngsters play, an activity Isaac enjoys.
“He’s very outgoing , full of energy, he is like an Energiser Bunny from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to bed,” Ms Stokes said.
“He’s got a little of a spark in him which I think helped him out from the day he was born.”
The Miracle Babies Foundation has released a book called ‘Nurture’ to help guide parents through your hospital journey with a premature or sick newborn. See www.miraclebabies.org.au for more information.
The Altona Nurture Group meets fortnightly at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona 10am on Fridays during the school term.
