How much can a tiny baby survive?

  • 23 October 2020

“Lily came to me to foster under the concurrent planning scheme direct from the hospital when she was a tiny baby of five days. Her mother struggled with drink and substance misuse problems and was in prison for the last six months of her pregnancy and after the birth.

“I visited her with Lily three times a week, staying for up to half an hour.

“We had a good relationship, and she seemed to feel I was doing a good job and that Lily would stay with me.

“All the same I knew I had to see myself as a foster carer and not Lily’s mum. At one point Lily’s dad said he wanted to be considered for her care. But when we actually met him we realised he just wanted to make an effort to say it to show he was not just washing his hands of her.

“In the end Lily’s mum said, ‘If Lily does get adopted she’s going to stay with you isn’t she?’ We had many tears. In her eyes I was the alternative to Lily being whisked off with no idea where she was going. I gave it a face.

“I am amazed at what children can survive. And what a live wire Lily is. A happy little baby.”

Case studies are real but names are changed and models used to protect confidentiality

Could you adopt?

If you believe you can offer a child the time, love and commitment they require to grow up feeling safe and happy, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch on 020 7520 0383 or email us at adoption@coram.org.uk