Little Sophia Judd born at Mater Hospital at 26 weeks survives against all odds

A Queensland battler born at a vulnerable 26 weeks weighing just 840 grams is now thriving despite going through traumatic surgery at just four days old.

Luke and Elouise Judd with baby Sophia, 14 weeks old. Picture: Annette Dew

Sophia Judd was born at a very vulnerable 26 weeks, weighing 848 grams and despite going through surgery at just four days old the little battler is thriving.

The Brisbane baby wasn’t expected to arrive until March this year but decided the time

was right on December 15, sending her parents, Elouise and Luke Judd, into a spin.

Ms Judd said there was absolutely no warning.

“I had a placental abruption at 26+5 and from there it was all a bit of a blur,” Ms Judd said.

“It felt like it was one thing after another for Sophia and then on day four she had a bowel

perforation which is when she was transferred to Mater so she could undergo emergency surgery.

Sophia Judd was born at 26 weeks weighing just 848 grams at Mater Mothers' Hospital. Photo: Supplied.

“I was like, this isn’t happening – it was terrifying.”

Sophia underwent emergency surgery late that night.

She became one of the 1700 very ill and premature babies to receive around-the-clock

specialist care from the team at Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit each year.

“The staff at the Mater NCCU are incredible,” Ms Judd said.

“The monitoring of Sophia day-in day-out saved her life.”

Sophia was able to go home after 94 days in the NCCU, one day after her due date.

“She is still on oxygen but she’ll continue to be monitored and in a few months we’ll likely have a wireless baby,” mum said.

Elouise and Sophia Judd. Picture: Annette Dew

Mater Foundation has long been a proud supporter of the tiniest and most vulnerable patients

being cared for at Mater Mothers’ hospitals across Queensland.

Chief executive Andrew Thomas said the extraordinary supporters in the community are vital to making this happen.

Today is Mater’s annual Giving Day, when donations to support babies like Sophia are tripled by Mater’s generous donors.

To find out more or donate, go to mater.org.au/givingday.

Originally published as Little Sophia Judd born at Mater Hospital at 26 weeks survives against all odds