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Thursday, May 18, 2006

baby registry: Smallest Surviving Baby May Go Home On Wednesday

CBS) WEST HILLS, Calif. The smallest surviving baby ever born at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center can now go home because her prognosis is "excellent," according to a doctor.

At the time of her birth in January, Alexandra Freeman weighed 360 grams, or 12 ounces -- the size of a soda can.

The baby girl, the first child born to Julie and Peter Freeman of Chatsworth, now weighs slightly more than 4 pounds and no longer requires supplemental oxygen.

She is scheduled to go home today, although doctors are still monitoring her condition.

Alexandra was born at 26 weeks by Caesarean section, according to the hospital. Her mother was suffering from a severe case of toxemia.

According to a registry, Alexandra is the smallest baby born in Los Angeles County and the third smallest born in California in the past six years.

According to Dr. Bahman Mehdizadeh, Alexandra’s doctor, "She does not have any neurological deficits, and she passed her hearing test. I am hopeful she will be off all her medicines by the time she leaves and only be taking vitamins. I believe her outcome will be excellent."

Julie Freeman said the experience has been "a roller coaster -- but well worth it in the end."




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