Judah Rohdich is a miracle baby, his parents say.
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Port Macquarie couple Scott and Sarah Rohdich are counting their blessings after Judah defied the odds.
Sarah’s pregnancy was uncomplicated until a 20-week ultrasound found the placenta was covering the cervix.
That meant a planned caesarean would be necessary if there was no change.
Later scans showed the placenta had moved enough for a natural birth.
However, there were other complications related to the placenta.
Sarah was induced after a final antenatal check showed Judah’s heartbeat was a little low and irregular.
A tear to the placenta during labour caused a bleed and triggered an emergency caesarean.
Only a faint heartbeat was detected after Judah was born on October 7, 2017.
A short time later he had no heartbeat and was not breathing.
Judah had an urgent blood transfusion after losing one third of his blood and he was resuscitated for 12 minutes.
Scott and Sarah say a perfect combination of medical professionals did the right things at the right time.
The newborn was stabilised and flown to John Hunter Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to be cooled to reduce any damage to his brain.
He was slowly rewarmed and observed for seizures.
“He was such a brave little dude,” Sarah said.
Judah defied the odds.
A MRI showed one tiny spot which the surrounding parts of the brain should compensate for.
Judah’s three-month developmental check looked good.
Scott and Sarah don’t know what difficulties Judah might have as he grows but the early signs are positive.
“We thank God for the sheer miracle of having him,” Sarah said.
Sarah said they were impressed with the Port Macquarie Base Hospital team and blessed with the support of their church community, friends and family.
Scott said they were over the moon and very thankful.
“We were very encouraged and heartwarmed many many times during the experience,” Scott said.
“It is just hard to believe.
“I thought I was going to lose both of them, my wife and Judah.
“We are very thankful to God.
“We can see God’s hand in it.”
Judah is a brother for three-year-old Micah.
Scott and Sarah thanked the Port Macquarie Base Hospital maternity unit team, including paediatric registrar Dr Andrew Walkom, for their extreme professionalism and care.