10-ounce newborn defying survival odds at Mobile. (Sympathy to the family on the Child's passing)

Ledger-Enquirer ^ | March 4, 2005 | AP

[beaversmom]

MOBILE, Ala. - A medical team at the University of South Alabama's Children's & Women's Hospital have closely monitored the progress of a newborn who weighed only 10 ounces at birth on Feb. 15.

His parents, Phillip and Monica Whitlock, said tiny Malachi Andreas Whitlock is so far holding his own.

"I feel he's got 100 percent chance of survival," his father said.

They said they chose the name Malachi because it's one of the smallest books of the Bible, and Malachi means "messenger of God."

"He's so small, and he's sent a message to us of what love is," the father said.

Dr. Fabien Eyal, the director of USA's neonatal intensive care unit, said, "Everybody's pulling for him, but we know they're in for a very tough time."

Monica Whitlock had an emergency cesarean section after developing high blood pressure.

Malachi, at 10 ounces, weighed about 290 grams at birth. Most babies placed in the unit, Eyal said, weigh around 400 grams. One baby, born at 350 grams, did survive and went home this week.

Eyal attributed the "incredibly low birth weight" to the fact that Malachi stopped growing before his birth. He put Malachi's actual development at 20 weeks at the time of birth.

The normal gestation period is 40 weeks.

Eyal said babies born at 22 to 24 weeks are at "the limit of viability."

[kayak]

Prayers for wisdom and skill for the doctors and medical staff that they may know how to deal with this newest situation.

And continued prayers for Malachi and his dear parents. May God hold you close and give you strength and patience!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Offering my prayers for lil Malachi

[Brad’s Gramma]

Prayer ping to #496

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return to thank You for the life of this precious baby ... may Your healing hand rest mightily upon little Malachi, for he is in distress. Give wisdom to those treating him, that they would know the extent of his problem and be able to deal with it quickly. Let nothing be overlooked ... let nothing remain undone ... regulate the rhythm of his heart and every function of his body. Stabilize him, Merciful Father, that he would rest well this night ... that his parents would be comforted. Sustain and strengthen this little one, O God, for he is so loved. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen ...

[Pegita]

Prayer Warrior Ping to Post #496 for little Malachi ...

[JustAmy]

Prayers being offered up from Fresno.

Please, Father, hear our prayer.

[glock rocks]

... and Amen.

Matt 18:20

[Fawnn]

Continuing prayers for Malachi.

[nicmarlo]

Prayers going up for your little guy....

May God astound the doctors with the continued miracle of baby Malachi. God, place your healing hands upon this child, that he make it through this day, and grow healthier and stronger each and every day.

Be with his family and comfort them at this time, oh God. Let them feel your love and care.

Thank you God, for always listening to our prayers.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen.

[STARWISE]

Prayers up! Sweet rose cheeks, be well.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Praying for another of God's miracles...

[international american]

BTTT

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks everyone. PLEASE, if you don't mind, ping your praying friends to Malachi's Dad's post. And ask for prayer, prayer, PRAYER!!!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Prayer ping to #496

[malachi dad]

thanks for the support every body we really are greatful

[Brad’s Gramma]

Just keep posting as you get updates, OK? WE appreciate the honor of PRAYING for your little man!!!

Hang in there...God IS in control.

[Spunky]

Dear Lord, wrap your loving arms around baby Malachi and keep him in your care. Bring him through this rough time. Lord also be with Malachi's parents. Comfort them in their time of great stress. Amen

[Texas Termite]

We haven't stopped praying for this little one since the first notice we received of his birth!!

Please God, we ask that you keep this little one safe. Help him gain strength and free from pain. Assist the medical staff in their decisions on how to treat him and help him.

Our prayers continue.........

Logan, Beth & Nana

[beaversmom]

Prayers that this will just be one of the temporary downs that Texas Termite went through.

[Mo1]

Thank you for the ping Grammie ...

I'm sending my prayers right now for Malachi

Hang in there little one .. stay strong and may you feeling better very very soon

Big {{{HUGS}}}

Mo