No-one expected Jazeel Hlope to survive when she was born prematurely after 25 weeks, weighing just 395g.
However, the ‘micro-premature’ baby has defied her death sentence – and South African doctors now call her Dr Wonder Woman.
Stunned hospital staff, impressed with how she has battled through her tough start to life, have even had a costume made for Jazeel.
Her mother has revealed she has now come along so far that doctors believe she is ‘thriving’ and completely out of danger. Jazeel now weighs 2.2kg.
Jazeel Hope has defied her death sentence after being born after just 25 weeks – and South African doctors now call her Dr Wonder Woman
Helen Sauls, from Johannesburg, told local reporters: ‘I am very excited about the prospect of taking my baby home, but obviously we do not want to rush.
‘She has been in hospital for nearly 150 days and has gained a lot of weight and strength in that time.’
Ms Sauls, who gave birth to Jazeel on July 21, also revealed that her daughter ‘now drinks the whole bottle when I feed her’.
Babies born 25 weeks early, around three months premature, have a 50 per cent chance of survival, figures suggest.
Jazeel was expected to enter the world on October 1, but came early because Ms Sauls suffered from pregnancy-induced hypertension, also known as gestational hypertension.
Doctors at Netcare Clinton Hospital claim her prospects were boosted by her being a female, as boys born so early tend to have lower survival rates.
Stunned hospital staff, impressed with how she has battled through her tough start to life, have even had a costume made for Jazeel
Her mother has revealed she has now come along so far that doctors believe she is ‘thriving’ and completely out of danger. Jazeel now weighs 2.2kg (pictured with Dr Klaas Mnisia, a neonatologist at Netcare Clinton Hospital, Johannesburg)
Anina Klut, a shift leader at the hospital, told local reporters Jazeel has touched the hearts of many members of staff.
She said: ‘We have never had such a small baby in our unit and we were all most concerned about her,’ Parent24 reports.
‘She has proven to be a little Wonder Woman and is growing each day, with lots of tender loving care from her mother.’
Dr Klaas Mnisia, a neonatologist at the hospital, said: ‘She’s one of the miracles who shows us what’s possible.
‘These days micro-premature babies have a better chance of surviving, and Jazeel is now thriving,’ he added, according to the website.
Jazeel’s stomach was severely immature after birth and she had to be fed a special diet of colostrum to prepare her for future feeding.
The highly nutritious substance is produced by mothers after birth and contains antibodies to protect a newborn against disease and allergies.
Local reports state the hospital expects Jazeel to be allowed home today – which is known as World Prematurity Day. However, her departure may be later.