Miracle baby David is well on the mend
Published: January 9, 2005
A little miracle baby was born on Christmas Eve after his parents feared for his life when he developed a rare condition.
Baby David Joe Mears came into the world with his bowels growing outside his tummy and had to be rushed in for immediate surgery as soon as he was born.
During the pregnancy doctors diagnosed him with gastroschisis – a condition which affects one in 3,000 babies and puts their lives in danger.
Mum Jacqui Moxon, 20, was told on December 23 she would have to give birth the next day by Caesarean section.
David was born one month early at midday weighing 4lb 7oz.
Dad, David Mears, 22, said: “We were very worried when they took him in straight away for surgery and we couldn’t hold him. It was the longest two hours of our lives.”
Little David Joe – or DJ – had a defect in his abdominal wall to one side of the umbilical cord and some of his bowel had escaped through the hole and developed outside of his stomach.
It had been floating around in his mum’s womb for most of the pregnancy.
Doctors were worried that even when put back in, it may not work properly.
They needed him to use his bowels in the first couple of weeks of his life – and he did.
Mr Mears said: “We were really relieved but still worried. He picks up every day and there are less tubes every time we see him.
“We are a lot happier now than we were just before Christmas. He’s doing really well.
“His scar just looks like a big belly button now.”
The family, who live on Hoyand Terrace in South Kirkby, had been travelling to Leeds General Infirmary where he was born since finding out about the condition.
Mr Mears added: “The people at the hospital were brilliant and I really want to sing their praises.
“They put me up on Christmas Eve so I could stay with Jacqui and DJ. They were fantastic.
“There is a slim chance he may have problems in the future but we are hoping he will be fine.”
The couple are hoping to take baby David home before the end of January so he can be doted on by 10-month-old sister Courtney.
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