A family will get to spend time together at home with its newest edition as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney released its first "micro-preemie" infant after 136 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
A micro preemie is a baby who is born weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces or before 26 weeks gestation. Little Pearly Jo "PJ" Calhoun, born July 4 at only 23 weeks and weighing just over a pound had the odds stacked against her, but her care team worked diligently to ensure she beat those odds.
"We are so pleased precious Pearly Jo, who truly is a miracle baby, was able to go home with her two loving parents for the holidays," said Arpitha Chiruvolu, MD, NICU medical director, Baylor Scott & White – McKinney. "Our NICU team here in McKinney is honored to have played a role in helping PJ grow into a healthy baby girl now over 9 lbs."
As one of 55 Texas Level III NICU facilities, Baylor Scott & White – McKinney and its dedicated team of specialists can provide care for infants born at just 23 weeks gestation.
Even at 23 weeks, PJ's journey was not easy as she faced several challenges, but none that required surgery.
Hospital staff members credit medical advancements and incorporating the family as part of PJ's care team for her remarkable progress.
"For preemies, the parents play a significant role in their child's development," said Barbara Petrey, RN, NICU nurse manager, Baylor Scott & White – McKinney. "We work with the family and offer proven techniques such as delayed umbilical cord clamping, KangaRead, developmental care and skin-to-skin bonding which can provide comfort and help nurture the baby."
In addition to its NICU designation, Baylor Scott & White – McKinney is a Level III trauma center that can provide comprehensive emergency services.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com