number 1 shaped candle on a birthday cake
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
December 19, 2023 ·  4 min read

World’s Most Premature Baby Overcomes 0% Chance Of Survival To Celebrate 1st Birthday.

On June 5, 2020, a new Guinness World Record was set for the most premature baby ever to be born. Born 131 days or roughly five months prior to his due date, Richard William Scott Hutchinson weighed just 11.9 ounces. The doctors gave him a 0% chance of survival. Already a record-breaker, little Richard shocked the world again by surviving. Earlier this month, he celebrated his first birthday.

World’s Most Premature Baby Celebrates His First Birthday

Whenever a baby is born prematurely, there are inherently more risks. The earlier they are born, the higher those risks become. According to CNN, Last June, Richard Hutchinson became the most premature baby ever to be born. What’s even more shocking is that the tiny little fighter survived and recently celebrated his first birthday.

Five months before he was supposed to be born, Richard’s mom Beth had medical complications that caused her to go into labor. Born so early and so tiny, the doctors at the Children’s Minnesota Hospital knew that his chances of surviving were slim. The neonatology team gave the tiny baby, who could fit in the mom of his mother’s hand, a 0% chance of survival.

“I knew the first few weeks of Richard’s life would be very difficult, but I felt that if he could make it through that, he would be a survivor,” said Richard’s NICU doctor Stacy Kern.

Source: Guinness World Records
Image Credit: Guinness World Records

A Long Six Months

For the next six months, little Richard lived in the Minnesota NICU. Due to COVID restrictions, his parents were not allowed to stay the night, and no one else was permitted to visit. Rick and Beth Hutchinson drive every day from their home in Saint Croix County, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to see their son. They hoped that maybe if he had their constant support and presence, he might have a chance of actually making it.

“We made sure we were there to give him support,” Rick said Guinness World Records. “I think that helped him get through this because he knew he could count on us.”

Source: Guinness World Records

Dr. Kern agrees, crediting Richard’s survival to his dedicated parents who were there for their son every single day. No matter the length of the drive or what else was going on, they showed up to support and love him always.

“Rick and Beth fought for Richard day after day and never stopped advocating for their baby through it all. Their strength and ability to stay positive and hopeful even during the most stressful and difficult times was inspiring.” she said.

Source: Guinness World Records

Read: Babywearing NICU Nurses Show Preemie Babies Extra Love While Their Families Are Away

Never Give Up

It was a challenging six months for the Hutchinson family, especially the first couple of months when they knew the odds were slim to none. Both mom and dad made sure to play an active part in their son’s care. Beth’s advice to parents of premature babies is to ask questions and make sure that you are included in the decision-making process.

“Advocate for your child as much as you can. Be nosey because it is your child, and you deserve to know what is going on.” she said.

Source: Guinness World Records
Image Credit: Guinness World Records

A Lesson In Resilience

The doctors finally gave the go-ahead for Richard to go home in early December 2020. This was an emotional day for everyone involved. The nurses and doctors who cared for him for the last six months had watched him go from barely surviving to an active baby boy. Now, he could finally go live at home with his parents where he ought to be.

“I couldn’t believe this was the same little boy that once was so sick, that I feared he may not survive. The same little boy that once fit in the palm of my hand, with skin so translucent that I could see every rib and vessel in his tiny body. I couldn’t help but squeeze him and tell him how proud I was of him,” said Dr. Kern. “He taught me what it truly means to be resilient and, every time I look at him, I’m reminded how strong and amazing all these little beautiful babies are!”

Source: Guinness World Records
Image Credit: Guinness World Records

Richard still requires certain equipment every day and has regular check-ups at the hospital. Slowly but surely he will be weaned off of them. The little fighter is growing into a vibrant, happy baby. His parents couldn’t be prouder and are of course so grateful to the staff who cared for Richard for pulling their baby away from the brink.

“We love the staff that took care of our son and wish we could share him with them all the time. He was called the ‘miracle baby’ when he was there. I agree with them,” said Beth. “He is a very happy baby. Always has a smile on the adorable little face of his. His bright blue eyes and smile get me every time.”

Source: Guinness World Records

Keep Reading: Boy Helping Dad Give Skin-To-Skin To Premature Twins Will Make You Smile

Sources

  1. World’s most premature baby, given 0% odds of survival, celebrates first birthday.” Guinness World Records. Adam Millward. June 11, 2021.
  2. The world’s most premature baby has celebrated his first birthday after beating 0% odds of surviving.” CNN. Alaa Elassar. June 19, 2021.