'Miracle baby' celebrates 10th birthday

Ten years ago, a social media post from Western Sydney Local Health District went viral as Eman Akl welcomed her baby girl, Khadija to the world.

Thousands showed their support online for the family as they celebrated Khadija’s birth – a story of triumph for the Westmead team who supported Eman in her fertility journey

After trying to conceive for 14 years, enduring ten rounds of IVF, Eman still gets teary when she recalls meeting Westmead Hospital’s Dr Indika Alahakoon.  

“I'm so grateful for Dr Indika, when I first came to her, she listened. If it wasn't for her, I would have miscarried. She made me a mother,” Eman said.  

Dr Alahakoon is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, focussed on women who suffer mid-trimester losses. She says that individualised patient care is pivotal in every fertility journey.

“You look at the overall story and the risk associated, so you have a good idea of what to prevent and manage so you can get a good outcome,” Dr Alahakoon said. 

Eman was on bedrest at home for two months before she gave birth to her ‘miracle baby’ at 33 weeks in July 2016. 

Khadija would spend her first days in the Westmead Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, cared for by the incredible specialist team.

Ten years later, mother and daughter, the now ten-year-old Khadija, visited Westmead Hospital to thank the Women’s and Newborn Care team.  

Dr Alahakoon acknowledges not everyone will have the same outcome, but moments like seeing Eman and Khadija make it worthwhile.

“I love looking after pregnancies, it's all about seeing the outcome. That's what I've dedicated my life to,” Dr Alahakoon said.

At the tender age of ten, Khadija was thrilled with her stardom and the connection between her mum and the hospital, but admits she is more excited for her birthday party with her cousins.

Happy 10th birthday Khadija, from all the team at Westmead Hospital.