Update on baby Ulrich

Thabazimbi – In the Platinum Bushvelder issue of Friday 23 September, we shared the harrowing story of how dad DC van Eeden and Marchell van Eeden’s medical knowledge was put to the test with the birth of their son Ulrich.

Marchell was 24 weeks pregnant and because it was a healthy pregnancy, they decided to go on vacation before baby Ulrich’s arrival, expected in November (at that time). In the early hours of the morning on 17 August, Marchell went into labour.

They contacted their doctor and he advised that they get to a hospital as soon as possible. However, the nearest hospital was Mseleni Provincial Hospital, about 40 kilometres away.

They were on the road for about 6 kilometres when Marchell calmly asked DC to stop the vehicle, because she just gave birth to their baby boy.

Little Ulrich weighed only 595 grams and was 26cm tall and his chances of survival was not looking good, but he proved that he was a fighter and even though he has had several medical setbacks, he continues to amaze! 

He is still at Netcare The Bay Hospital in Richards Bay, but he is getting stronger every day.
On 26 September, Ulrich’s heartrate measured 25bmp and his oxygen levels were improving. He currently weighs 880g and is receiving 19ml milk, every three hours.

 
He started breathing on his own and they plan to take him off the ventilator any day now. 
Although he was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, doctors are positive that it will either heal with time or that it can be repaired with a small surgery.

Ulrich’s brain scans also came back with positive results. There are a few white spots here and there, but there are no signs so far of any bleeding on the brain. More tests and scans still have to be done as his brain is still growing.

DC and Marchell would like to thank the community for all their support and prayers for their son.

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity