According to Guinness World Records, a baby born weighing less than a pound has defied the odds and celebrated his first birthday, becoming the most premature baby to survive.
When Richard Scott William Hutchinson was born five months prematurely – the world’s most premature baby, according to Guinness – his doctors prepared his parents for the worst.
Richard was born at Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after his mother, Beth Hutchinson, went into labor due to medical complications.
Richard, who was born 131 days before his due date and weighed only 11.9 ounces, was so small that his parents could fit him in the palm of their hands, according to Guinness.
“When [his father] Rick and Beth received prenatal counseling on what to expect with a baby born this early, our neonatology team gave them a 0% chance of survival,” Dr. Stacy Kern, Richard’s neonatologist at Children’s Minnesota, told Guinness World Records.
“I knew the first few weeks of Richard’s life would be difficult, but I knew if he could get through them, he’d be a survivor.”
According to Guinness, the parents drove to Minneapolis every day from their home in St Croix County, Wisconsin. Rick told Guinness World Records, “We made sure we were there to support him.” “I believe that gave him the confidence to get through it because he knew he could rely on us.”
Rick and Beth Hutchinson did not respond to further questions. Richard was able to go home with his family in December 2020 after spending more than six months in the hospital.
“Richard’s discharge from the NICU was such a memorable occasion. I recall picking him up from his crib and simply holding him in my arms, tears in my eyes “Kern remarked.
“I couldn’t believe this was the same little boy who had been so sick that I was worried he wouldn’t make it. The same tiny boy who used to fit in the palm of my hand and whose skin was so translucent that I could see every rib and vessel in his tiny body. I couldn’t help but squeeze him and express my admiration for him.”
The lucky baby was able to celebrate his first birthday with his family and three dogs on June 5. When Richard broke the record, Beth said, “It doesn’t feel real.” “We’re still taken aback by it. But we’re content. It’s a way for us to tell his story and bring attention to premature births.”
