Thirty-two-year-old Maria Sanders noticed that her baby had not moved for quite a while, which caused her considerable worry. Maria, who lived in the coastal city of Kingston upon Hull in the UK, was pregnant and nearing her delivery date. She worked for a local company, and her husband, thirty-three-year-old Chris, was a mechanic. They had two daughters and were living a happy and prosperous life.
The Third Baby: Another Girl
Chris and Maria wished for their third child to be a boy, but when an ultrasound revealed it would be another girl, they were not disheartened. They loved their daughters deeply, and the arrival of a third daughter brought them even more joy. They were not among those who preferred sons over daughters. Although they desired a son, they accepted their fate with grace when their wish was not fulfilled.
Chris and Maria took all necessary steps to welcome their third daughter. Maria took great care of her health to ensure a healthy delivery. She maintained a good diet and exercised regularly. As the baby grew, she started moving, and Maria could feel these movements, which reassured her that the baby was developing well.
The Beginning of Trouble
One day, when the baby did not move for several hours, Maria became concerned. The renowned Hull Royal Infirmary hospital was nearby. Maria called for an ambulance and went to the hospital. Doctors examined her using advanced machines and confirmed that the baby was breathing and seemed fine. They sent her home with reassurance.
However, Maria’s intuition told her something was wrong. Pregnant women become very sensitive, as they are constantly concerned about their baby’s well-being. This sensitivity often gives them extraordinary instincts. Maria’s concern proved correct when the baby remained unmoved for several hours the next day. It suggested that the baby might be suffering from a medical issue, as she had previously moved frequently. Alarmed, Maria returned to the hospital. The doctors admitted her and monitored the baby’s movements with special equipment. After several hours with no movement, doctors decided to perform a cesarean section to save the baby if she was in a life-threatening condition.
The Birth of Frankie
The operation was successful, and Frankie Morrison was born. During the operation, Maria was unconscious. When she regained consciousness and saw her husband, sister, doctors, and nurses looking sad and disappointed, she understood that her daughter was not well. With tearful eyes, she asked Chris about the baby’s condition. Chris, not wanting to keep his beloved wife in the dark, informed her that Frankie was in the ICU, where she was being closely monitored. The operation revealed that Frankie had only “two tablespoons” of blood in her body, whereas a newborn typically has nine to ten tablespoons.
How She Survived
It was evident that Frankie’s body contained more water than blood. This severe blood deficiency made Frankie too weak to move. She remained in the ICU, struggling between life and death. Doctors were astonished at how she survived with such a low blood volume. Her survival was considered a miracle and a blessing from God. Due to the excess water in her body, there was a risk it could enter her liver and lungs. Therefore, doctors first administered fresh blood and then performed surgery to remove the excess water from her chest. Frankie faced a severe operation right after birth. The doctors were still concerned that Frankie might die at any moment and informed Maria and Chris that a priest was present at the hospital.
The Risk of Disability
Doctors also warned Chris and Maria that if Frankie miraculously survived, she might live with disabilities. Her brain might be affected, leaving her as a lifelong child, or she might not be able to walk and live her life in a wheelchair. The prognosis was not promising, as doctors feared that Frankie’s brain development might have been hindered due to inadequate blood supply.
Recovery
Frankie received blood again that night, but her condition did not improve. She remained motionless, with only her heart functioning. The doctors decided to transfer her to London via helicopter, hoping that the advanced facilities and experienced doctors there could save her. Remarkably, as Frankie was being transported to London, her condition began to improve. She started breathing more comfortably and her heart rate normalized. It was clear that the blood transfusions were having a positive effect. The helicopter was redirected back to Kingston upon Hull. Maria recalls, “I was confident that my precious girl would survive. I felt she was a warrior and had proven my belief by overcoming all odds.”
A Miraculous Outcome
It’s important to note that thousands of babies are born underweight every day, and some may have low blood levels due to various reasons. However, the condition Frankie was born with is extremely rare, affecting only one in millions. Usually, babies with such a low blood volume do not survive until birth.
The Supportive Mother
Frankie was fortunate to have a caring and supportive mother who monitored her constantly and immediately alerted the medical team when her condition worsened. Prompt medical intervention and modern medicine saved her life. Today, Frankie is living a happy life with her parents and two sisters, with a future full of joy and happiness.
The predicted disability has been disproved. Frankie runs, plays, and performs daily activities. Maria and Chris attribute their daughter’s survival to divine blessings and their fervent prayers during a difficult time. They believe that God, who is the Lord of all worlds, listens to the cries of all suffering hearts, regardless of race, color, or religion, and is the only one capable of deciding whom to help and whom not to.
Tears of Joy
When recovery began, Frankie spent three weeks at Hull Royal Infirmary, where the doctors took great care of her. She was then allowed to go home, where she was reunited with her two sisters, ten-year-old Brooke and five-year-old Molly. The sisters were overjoyed to see their little sister. Maria adds, “Chris and I took Frankie to meet the doctors who cared for her after six months. Seeing the healthy, smiling Frankie brought tears to all the doctors’ eyes. I consider myself very fortunate that our beautiful and vibrant daughter’s life was saved. This success is the result of teamwork and divine grace.”
Doctors noted that Frankie received blood from her mother two weeks before delivery. If she had not received blood for a few more days, her death would have been inevitable. God has created a perfect system for the exchange of blood, nutrients, and waste between mother and baby, which usually works without complications, as seen in Frankie’s case.