Baby born weighing less than a pound comes home after nearly a year

Nathan Ray Teply was born weighing less than a pound on 18 December 2015. Now, almost a year later, he's finally been sent home from the hospital.

Born to Mary and Eric Teply of Papillion, Nebraska, Nathan was delivered after just 24 weeks.

Mary suffered from pre-eclampsia, which in a milder form can be treated with a low dose of aspirin.

It was so serious for Mary that a c-section was performed, bringing Nathan into the world well ahead of schedule.

For his first 307 days he lived in the hospital under the care of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NCIU).

According to Mary, when Nathan was born he weighed just 14.99oz and measured 10 and three quarter inches (27.3cm) from head to toe.

Luckily, some excellent medical care meant that Nathan survived two bouts of pneumonia and went home on 20 October.

Mary reports he has grown to 15 lbs and 12 oz (7.1kg)

Speaking to Inside Edition, she discussed how Nathan has been out of the confines of the hospital.

The other day we went on a walk... and he has such a personality. He’s such a flirt...He’s just so funny, it’s crazy. He just loves to smile and play and he’s just so active. He’s got two teeth coming in and he’s so big now.

She has also decided to become a nurse at the medical unit which cared for Nathan.

I would really love to go back to school and become a NICU nurse...I think I found my passion. To be able to help in that way, to be able to relate to those parents; I know exactly what they’re going through.

They have a Facebook page which chronicles his growth with some adorable pictures.

HT Inside Edition

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