A baby who was seriously ill and on life support was brought out of a coma by a cuddle from his Mum.

Baby Adam Cheshire was just one day old when he became severely ill with a brain infection which caused him to suffer seizures and stop breathing. His parents, Charlotte and Chris Cheshire were told to say goodbye to their son as he was so seriously ill.

Skin to skin

Adam, now 16 months has been described by his Mum as a miracle. She told the Telegraph:

“They were convinced he was going to die. His entire body started to shut down. He was blue and shaking with convulsions. For a number of days, I was only allowed to gently stroke Adam’s leg or arm before they encouraged me to hold and cuddle him. They told me skin-to-skin contact is very important. Your baby needs to know you are there. Adam is our miracle. He just refused to give up.”

Support and advice

Cathy Smith, head of Midwifery at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said:

“One in three women carry Group B Strep (GBS). The majority of babies born to these women will not be affected. However, there is a small risk that GBS can pass to the baby during childbirth. Very occasionally this causes an infection in the baby which requires additional care. Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, is a beneficial way of helping a baby bond with its parents, especially if mum is breastfeeding. This contact can help the baby relax, improve temperature control and regulate the heartbeat”. She also emphasised:

“It must be remembered that every case is different, however, and when caring for premature or sick babies treatment plans are made on an individual basis.”

Source: The Telegraph, Cuddle from mother brings newborn out of coma, 27th July 2012

Photography: David Purehouse @Flickr