Sunshine Coast holiday shattered with baby Eddie’s premature birth

A family holiday turned into a dramatic emergency, resulting in the premature birth of their ‘never-say-die’ son.

Little baby Eddie with mum Taylah and Dad Josh while still in Mater Mothers’ Hospital.

A two-year-old Victorian boy born 13 weeks premature has defied all odds, capturing hearts and becoming a symbol of hope and determination for families across two states.

First-time mum Taylah Davis, 28, and her husband Josh, 30, were enjoying a family holiday on the Sunshine Coast when their lives took a dramatic turn.

At just 26 weeks’ pregnant, Ms Davis’ waters broke unexpectedly, plunging them into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty, far from their home in Maffra, Victoria.

“It was supposed to be a joyful family holiday but everything changed when I felt a sharp pain in my pelvis,” she said.

“My waters broke, and I knew something was terribly wrong.”

The day before Taylah Davis’ waters broke and baby Eddie had an emergency delivery at the Sunshine Coast. Pictures: Contributed

Rushed by ambulance to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Ms Davis was soon transferred to South Brisbane’s Mater Mothers’ Hospital.

There, amid a flurry of medical interventions, her son Edward, affectionately known as Eddie, was born. But the tiny baby, weighing just over 1kg, was not breathing.

The medical team at Mater Mothers’ performed CPR for 37 minutes and it was their tireless efforts and advanced breathing equipment that saved little Eddie’s life.

He was then taken to the Neonatal Critical Care Unit which gave him a fighting chance.

Seven agonising days passed before Ms Davis could hold her fragile newborn, a moment she describes as both terrifying and miraculous.

“Seeing Eddie hooked up to so many machines, I felt helpless. But the staff assured me he was in the best hands.”

Baby Eddie is set to become a big brother to another baby soon. Picture: Contributed

Eddie’s early days were marked by relentless medical battles, including minor brain bleeds and Retinopathy of Prematurity, an eye condition common in premature infants.

He also required oxygen support for three months.

Despite the challenges, Eddie’s indomitable spirit shone through.

“Eddie’s determination and stubbornness are remarkable,” dad Josh said.

“He’s faced so much but has an infectious zest for life and his resilience is a lesson to us all – he is our little miracle.”

Now tipping the scales at a healthy 11kg, Eddie is not only thriving but is also eagerly anticipating his new role as a big brother.

Ms Davis, currently expecting her second child, reflects on their journey with profound gratitude.

Little baby Eddie was born while his parents were having a holiday in Queensland.

“We owe everything to the hospital’s multidisciplinary team and their unwavering dedication and expertise because they never lost hope, even in the darkest moments.”

Mater Neonatology director Dr Pita Birch said Eddie’s story was worth telling on World Prematurity Day, Sunday, November 17.

“More than 1800 sick and premature babies are cared for in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit each year and Eddie’s progress is a testament to the incredible work of that team.”

Ms Davis said: “We want other parents to know that miracles do happen.”

■ Sunday is World Prematurity Day: Each year, more than 2000 seriously ill and premature babies are admitted to Mater Mothers’ Hospitals’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit at South Brisbane. They are affectionately known as Mater Little Miracles

Originally published as Sunshine Coast holiday shattered with baby Eddie’s premature birth