Born 14-weeks early, Lyra Clarke is inspiring her parents to give back
Born at just 26 weeks, and weighing six times less than most newborns, Coburg’s Lyra Clarke spent the first four months of her life in intensive care. Her parents want to share Lyra’s story to help others in the same situation.
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Lyra Clarke was born at just 26 weeks and five days old.
She weighed 519 grams.
To put that into perspective, according to the World Health Organisation most babies weigh about 3.2kg when they are born.
Lyra is now 18 months old and her dad, Tom Clarke, said every specialist they see tells him and his wife Belinda Knott little Lyra is going from strength to strength.
But it wasn’t always so rosy for the 36-year-old parents from Coburg.
“She was born a micro-prem and those babies expect a long and difficult journey, even after you leave the hospital and intensive car,” Mr Clarke said.
“We spent 122 days in intensive care and the stress involved is immeasurable. It was a long four months at the women’s hospital.
“You watch your baby go through some serious stuff.”
Lyra was intubated, meaning she had a tube connected into her lungs to help her breathe.
She was on extra oxygen the entire time she was in hospital and for a few months after she returned home.
Mr Clarke said his daughter was “extremely strong” the whole way through.
One of the many organisations that helped him through those tough days was Life’s Little Treasures, and to give back will take part in the Walk for Prems.
“They give you little care packages and stuff like that,” Mr Clarke said.
“Even after the stay in intensive care they stayed involved and helped with advice and kept in contact, they were great.”
Mr Clarke said the couple walked in the fundraiser last year too, and was a great way to find a support network of other parents.
In Australia, premature birth is the number one cause of newborn deaths.
More than 48,000 babies are admitted into intensive and special care units every year.
That accounts for almost 15 per cent of babies born and translates to over 115 admissions every day.
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Walk for Prems is at Albert Park Lake on Sunday, October 27.
Entry is $44 for adults, $20 for children and $10 for babies.
After the walk there will be a range of children’s activities including music, a jumping castle and face-painting.