Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackson are hoping baby Hazel’s second surgery is a success

To have a healthy baby is every parent’s dream but a Hobart couple is awaiting more life-surgery interstate for their tiny daughter. Read their concerns.

Baby Hazel Jackman, who was born in Hobart, is in Melbourne with her parents Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackman awaiting further life-saving surgery. Picture: Supplied by the family

Tiny Hazel Jackman is just 10 days old and already she is facing her second life-saving surgery.

Her parents Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackman say it is a “miracle” Hazel, who was born by caesarean at 37 weeks on May 8 weighing 2.5kg, was able to breathe after she was born.

She praised doctors who acted quickly to medevaced her from Hobart to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for urgent surgery.

“She’s meant to be here,” Ms Flanagan said.

“When she was born, she instantly required CPR as she couldn’t get a good breath in.

“She was brought back quickly and was taken to the special care unit at Calvary.

“Hazel was unable to cry and would make an odd cough sound when trying, which the paediatrician had never heard before.”

Baby Hazel Jackman, who was born in Hobart, is in Melbourne with her parents Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackman awaiting further life-saving surgery. Picture: Supplied by the family

She was transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital and after extensive testing including an endoscopy, they found Hazel had a Glottic Web.

Ms Flanagan said doctors had told her that Hazel’s Glottic Web, which affect vocal chords and breathing, is a stage 3 meaning her airway is restricted by up to 70 per cent.

“Hazel’s first surgery went well but they didn’t quite get the results they hoped for,” Ms Flanagan said.

“We are holding out hope that her second surgery (on Monday) will produce good news.

“That will determine how they proceed and whether it will be surgeries and tubing or if Hazel will require a tracheotomy.

“We are obviously extremely worried about her.

“There is a feeling of helplessness, watching our newborn daughter go through surgeries and tests while we cannot do anything but be there for her.”

Baby Hazel Jackman, who was born in Hobart, is in Melbourne with her parents Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackman awaiting further life-saving surgery. Picture: Supplied by the family

The couple have four other children between them and say it is “heartbreaking” being away from them.

“There are video calls and phone calls but there is nothing like being with our children,” Ms Flanagan said.

“We miss them more than words can explain and cannot wait to have our family back together with Hazel settled alongside her siblings.

“Financially this is obviously an unexpected stress on top of Hazel’s health.”

Mr Jackman is on unpaid leave from his job and Ms Flanagan, who works as a family daycare educator, is not yet receiving maternity leave.

Hazel’s uncle Jason Menzies has set up a GoFundMe for the family.

“We know that both will never ask for help,” he said.

“However, we know how hard this will be for them both emotionally and financially.”

To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/little-baby-hazel

Baby Hazel Jackman, who was born in Hobart, is in Melbourne with her parents Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackman awaiting further life-saving surgery. Picture: Supplied by the family

Originally published as Bridget Flanagan and Damien Jackson are hoping baby Hazel’s second surgery is a success