On August 15, Elijah was diagnosed with NEC (Necrotising enterocolitis), a serious disease affecting the intestines of premature infants and he was also diagnosed with pericardial effusion (buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart).
Hastings-based midwife Hayley Harmer said, as a generalisation, babies born at 24 weeks would be classified as 'micro-preemie'.
"Typically they are faced with a multitude of complications, because essentially they are not ready to deal with life when they are born that early," she said.
"Twenty-three to 24 weeks is often considered the age of viability for premature babies. That being said, most of the body's systems are underdeveloped at 23 to 24 weeks gestation.
"The lower airways are only beginning to develop, which is why many 23-weekers and 24-weekers will need respiratory support for long periods of time.
"At such an early stage, their lungs are under-developed, gut isn't doing what it should be, they need nourishment but can't feed. Prognosis-wise there are some long term effects on babies born so early.
"It's a hard road ahead."
Elijah in NICU, Wellington Hospital when he reached the 1kg mark. Photo / Supplied
Briar Janson said the experience had been financially, physically and mentally draining for the family.
"I met Maddy when she started her home business last year, and I gradually got to know her more and more," Janson said.
"She's from a nursing background, like me, and we were pregnant around the same time. I had my little girl, but everything went pear-shaped for Maddy."
Janson said as soon as Power found out that she was having a boy, she started getting contractions or tightening.
"This was around 22 weeks, and she was sent to Wellington Hospital and told to go on complete bed rest to stop the baby coming out early," Janson said.
"But Elijah was born at 24 weeks and 2 days and Maddy and Elijah have been stuck in Wellington NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit ) since.
"It's heartbreaking, the outlook is grim. He has an approximately 35 per cent chance of making it."
Power has four kids and they are being looked after by their step-dad.
"And I am looking after the four kids, after school," Janson said.
"The children's step-dad is now stretched between work, childcare, supporting Maddy in Wellington and being there for his son Elijah, meaning reduced income and more expenses on an already stretched week to week budget.
"Maddy can't work because she is in Wellington and the family is not well-off. I see the struggle first-hand, there are no luxuries from clothes, food. I just want to help.
"The family is living on one wage, and any support would be amazing."
Maddy holds on to 5-day-old Elijah's foot. Photo / Supplied
Janson has started a Givealittle page for the family and any funds go towards food, transport and having a roof over their heads.
"The money raised will help them survive this journey. They are on this journey for Elijah, so that Elijah may grow from strength to strength," she said.
"This family maybe be separated for roughly four months, followed by any combination of prem baby complications.
"I want to do all I can to help this family stay on their feet while they are going through this nightmare."
To donate go to- https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/elijah-24week-baby?ref=home&ref_code=local_pages
