LFHC's Neonatal Unit Saves 1.3lb Baby

In the United States, the average birth weight of a baby is 7 lbs. When Airnoy Nidnapha was born, she weighed just 1.3 lbs (0.67 kg). She was one of the smallest newborns ever treated at LFHC.

Nidnapha was born in Xainyabouli Provincial Hospital, around two hours from Luang Prabang on the border with Thailand. Due to her extremely low birth weight, the Provincial Hospital advised the family to urgently take their newborn daughter to the nearest neonatal unit, which was in Thailand. However, on admission, the parents soon realized they could not afford the treatment provided, which costs an average of $300 per day. They didn’t know what to do to save their daughter.　

The parents decided to take their daughter out of the neonatal unit in Thailand and travel to Lao Friends Hospital for Children. This trip was made even more difficult because the mom was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and significant proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation. Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia have considerable adverse impacts on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health.

After taking the long journey, Nidnapha was rushed through LFHC’s emergency room and into the neonatal unit. She received expert care and was placed on a CPAP to support her little lungs.　

Nidnapha is still receiving treatment in the neonatal unit. However, following almost a month of support, her prognosis is now very good. She has gained weight, now weighing 2.2 lbs, and this number is increasing daily. She is also showing signs of　normal activity and development.　

Without the neonatal unit at LFHC, Nidnpapha would not have received the treatment she needed to survive.