Baby M., 1

Baby Millicent is the child of a young mother who dropped out of school due to financial difficulties. Her mother is an orphan and lives with her aunt and cousins in a three-room mud-walled house. As a teenager with no income, she depends entirely on her aunt, a peasant farmer, who is the family’s breadwinner. The mother explained that she did not realize she was pregnant because she did not experience typical symptoms such as morning sickness. She only became concerned after noticing a slight abdominal enlargement, but delayed seeking care for about three weeks until abdominal pain forced her to visit a nearby health centre. At the facility, she was informed that she was already in labour, delivered a premature baby, and was referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for further care since the baby was in respiratory distress. Initially, she hesitated to travel to the referral hospital due to fear of being unable to pay the medical bill. However, the nurse reassured her that she could speak to the social worker about her financial challenges and be linked to a charity organization at the hospital that supports underprivileged sick children to pay medical bills.

Baby Millicent was born prematurely which warranted admission, at the time she was unable to breastfeed, had difficulty in breathing and has to be fed via NGT. He was administered IV xpen , gentamicin among other drugs, to which he greatly improved. He was later able to breastfeed and was eventually discharged on orals

The baby was diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome, a condition common in premature babies whose lungs are not yet fully developed. At admission, he required specialized newborn care, oxygen support, and close monitoring to help him breathe effectively and prevent complications. With appropriate treatment and continued monitoring, his condition improved steadily. His outlook is hopeful, and with ongoing follow-up, good nutrition, and routine newborn care, he is expected to continue gaining strength and developing well.