Miracle baby George DeFranceschi-Ford born at 24 weeks, weighs just 699g

Jasmin and Daniel DeFranceschi-Ford only announced their pregnancy in September. Little did they know, baby George would arrive just three months later, some 16 weeks premature.

George weighed just 699 grams when he was born

Newly married Mildura couple Daniel and Jasmin DeFranceschi-Ford are fighting to keep their newborn George alive after he was born premature, weighing just 699g.

The couple had been trying for a baby for three years, and only announced their pregnancy at their wedding in September.

Three months later, Jasmin went into labour on Boxing Day and after a visit to Mildura Base Hospital, she was flown to Melbourne Mercy Hospital when doctors discovered she was 5cm dilated, despite being just 24 weeks pregnant.

The next day George was born at just 24 weeks and three days.

“They took Jasmin at 2 o'clock in the morning, and myself, Daniel and our Mum got on the first flight to Melbourne that day,” Jasmin’s sister Casey Waters said.

A combination of short cervix and a virus called chorioamnionitis — a common cause of premature births — contributed to little George’s early arrival.

Little George was born at just 24 weeks and three days

After spending a few days at Melbourne Mercy Hospital, George was transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital for specialist treatment.

It was there doctors discovered George had a bleed on his brain. It is likely George will have issues throughout his life as a result of it.

“He will have some type of disability, but doctors wont be able to diagnose it until he is older,” Ms Waters said.

Speaking briefly between hospital visits, Mr and Mrs DeFranceschi-Ford said they were constantly worried for him.

“He had a pretty restless night, last night,” Mr DeFranceschi-Ford said.

“It’s the first one we have really had with him.

“All the doctors we have dealt with have been brilliant.

“And the help from Ronald McDonald House has been a godsend.”

Despite that help, bills are still piling up for the new family.

This has prompted Casey to set-up a GoFundMe for her sister’s family to help with associated costs, both now and in the future.

George was born prematurely, at Melbourne Mercy Hospital

“The (GoFundMe) is for any medical costs as they come up. Travel to and from hospital, anything they really need while they deal with this. They have a house in Mildura that has everyday bills they need to maintain so they have a house to come back to when George is ready,” Ms Waters said.

“Any help anyone can give would be so greatly appreciated by all of us, especially Jasmin and Daniel.”

George’s current status is stable at Royal Children’s Hospital.