A photo spread of premature babies at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital that went viral has helped the parents of these children through anxious moments. ISABELLE LIEW (bxliew@sph.com.sg) reports
The superhero theme thus seemed fitting in showcasing their resilience and admirable strength in their journeys of survival and growth.
-Senior physiotherapist Shelly-Anne Sherwood
Parents of premature babies, you are not alone.
Senior physiotherapists Shelly-Anne Sherwood, 34, and Mazlina Mazlan, 33, of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) said the parents of the nine babies in superhero costumes were delighted about the recent photo spread that went viral.
Miss Sherwood said in an e-mail interview with The New Paper: “Chen An’s mother, in particular, mentioned that she felt blessed knowing that there are others praying for him.”
The photo feature, Our Superhero Babies, was shared on Facebook on Nov 17 as part of KKH’s Early Bird Baby Club’s commemoration of Prematurity Awareness Month.
It has garnered more than 6,400 likes and 3,300 shares.
The club is a support group for parents of premature babies born at the hospital.
Born at seven months of gestation, Chen An weighed only 1.35kg. But dressed up as The Flash, he is “swift” and “quick to learn new tasks”.
The lightest baby of the nine weighs a mere 500g. Sheraz, who was togged out as Thor wielding a hammer, was also born at seven months’ gestation.
He is described on the Facebook page as “indestructible” and he “smashes every challenge that comes his way”.
The superhero costumes were crafted and hand-knitted by the physiotherapists and their friends.
Miss Sherwood said: “Many parents from the club, whose children have graduated from KKH’s neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, have also responded to the Facebook post, cheering on the babies and sending messages of support and encouragement to their parents.”
Miss Sherwood and Miss Mazlina came up with the idea to celebrate the little ones’ determination.
Miss Sherwood added: “As healthcare professionals who provide care and support to premature babies and their families, we were inspired by their daily triumphs over challenges.
“The superhero theme thus seemed fitting in showcasing their resilience and admirable strength in their journeys of survival and growth.”
