Qld’s smallest baby Daisy Hart goes home for Christmas after 150 days in hospital

Born at just 22 weeks and 499g, Daisy Hart wasn’t expected to make it. Now the little record-breaker has been sent home from hospital.

Dad Jeromy Hart could pick his little daughter up in the palm of his hand. Pictures: Annette Dew

A southside baby has been named the state’s tiniest battler.

Queensland’s smallest fighter, Daisy Hart, has defied the greatest odds to become Mater Mothers’ Hospital’s earliest surviving baby, born at just 22 weeks and six days.

Weighing less than a tub of butter at a mere 499g, Daisy has now achieved another incredible milestone: celebrating her first Christmas at home with her devoted parents, Ebony Goddard and Jeromy Hart, in Crestmead, Logan.

In a medical milestone, the record-breaking premmie, born on June 27, could fit into the palm of her father’s hand.

Her miraculous journey of survival and resilience spanned more than 150 days across two Queensland hospitals, marked by four critical surgeries and countless moments of uncertainty.

Daisy Hart.

“So many times, I thought my little girl wouldn’t survive, but thanks to the team at Mater and Queensland Children’s Hospital, she is here,” Ms Goddard said.

“To know she is the earliest surviving baby born at Mater Mothers’ is something the hospital team should be so proud of – we certainly are.

“When I got to hospital after my water broke, doctors could already see Daisy was about to make her entrance.

“She is lucky to be here and to be alive.”

Daisy was born premature due to Ms Goddard having a shortened cervix.

She required immediate care in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit before being transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital for surgeries addressing bowel and brain complications.

She was 10 days old when she had her first surgery to fix her bowel and needed two more to continue the repair.

Daisy also needed major surgery on her brain after having two bleeds which caused fluid to build up.

Best day of my life, parents Jeromy hart and Ebony Goddard with their tiny daughter Daisy, the state’s smallest premmie baby. Picture: Annette Dew

Ms Goddard, 20, described her daughter’s journey as a frightening “rollercoaster” and had to wait for four days for the first time to hold her daughter.

“I was scared at first because of how little Miss Daisy was and all the cords and machines that were connected to her,” Ms Goddard said.

“But the best feeling in the world was holding my little miracle.

“We knew she had it in her to keep fighting, I wasn’t giving up.”

Mater’s Neonatology director Dr Pita Birch said Daisy had endured some setbacks and may face developmental challenges, ongoing movement and learning issues but her growth and strength had been impressive.

“Daisy is the most premature baby ever born at Mater to survive and go home,” Dr Birch said.

Little baby Daisy is back at home in Logan for Christmas. Picture: Contributed

“Advances in technology and having Mater medical experts by her side every step of the way was what gave her a chance of survival.

“Seeing babies like Daisy go home to their parents is a magical moment for everyone who works at the Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit.”

Daisy spent more than five months in Mater Mothers’ and Queensland Children’s Hospital before going home at the end of November.

“The day we brought Miss Daisy home was the best day of my life,” Ms Goddard said.

“Finally, I have my little princess home before Christmas – that was my goal through this journey.

“We will be celebrating Christmas with Daisy meeting all of her family and friends.”