Hot Topics

Baby born with cyst larger than her head survives lifesaving operation

Baby Mia Molyneux was born with a cyst on her face that was the size of a melon and weighed half as much as her. But the little girl has survived a gruelling lifesaving operation and has been allowed to go home with her mum for the first time.

When 20-year-old Michaela found out she was pregnant, she was so excited to find out the sex of her baby she booked herself in for an extra scan. However, the first-time mum was told her baby had a huge swelling on the side of her face and it was likely she’d be born with severe disabilities. And although Michaela was advised to terminate the pregnancy she refused - wanting to give her unborn baby a chance.

Because doctors were so worried about Mia, Michaela was booked in for a caesarean on 27th March and was assisted by 18 doctors and nurses. Michaela told The Mirror: “I was absolutely terrified when I found out Mia had something wrong with her. But when she was born I fell in love with her instantly. When I looked at her I saw my baby girl alive, not the growth.”
However, little Mia was only six days old when doctors decided to operate and warned Michaela that the surgery was risky, saying if she started bleeding she might not survive. Whilst the average baby only has one pint of blood in their body, in the gruelling nine hour operation the tiny tot was given a massive 96 pints of blood to keep her alive.

“She looked so battered and bruised, it was heartbreaking seeing her in that state. It was so hard not being able to hold her until she was 15 days old,” Michaela added. After the operation Mia was kept in intensive care until she was allowed to go home at 20 weeks old.

The proud mum said: “Mia will be scarred for life but it’s a small price to pay. She’s been through so much – and I’m so proud of her.”

We love stories with a happy ending! Do you know a baby who’s survived against the odds? Share your stories with us by leaving a comment below.