Family of tiny baby Boaz hoping for a Christmas homecoming

This Christmas, there will be an extra tiny little guest at lunch to join the ever growing Young family.

Making a grand entrance ahead of his January due date, Boaz Mack Hikaraahui Young, was born last Friday at 34+4 weeks.

Weighing just over 2.2 kilograms, baby Boaz is currently in the Neonates ward at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

"The plan was for us to give birth at Peel Health Campus but given he decided to make an early appearance, we were transferred by ambulance to FSH,” Mum Esther Young said.

"We're just incredibly grateful that he's here and he's healthy," she said.

"All the midwives have been so great especially helping me with breastfeeding and getting used to being a new Mum given he surprised us earlier than expected."

One of 12 children herself, Esther's family is constantly expanding which means they hire out the local sporting club in Mandurah to host their Christmas Day lunch celebrations.

"Boaz is grandchild number 18, although he was scheduled to be number 19, however he got in before his baby cousin who is actually due on Christmas Day," Esther said.

FSH Neonate Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Francine Jacobs, said while they always hoped their littlest patients would be discharged in time for Christmas there were still families who had a longer wait and would be in hospital over the festive period.

"During the holiday season, we strive to bring joy to families of sick neonates by collaborating with various charities to provide heartwarming gifts that help brighten their spirits," Francine said.

"Our team also creates sentimental keepsakes for these families, including cards featuring their baby's hand and footprints, which serve as cherished mementos during this special time.

"Additionally, each baby receives a festive Christmas beanie and a cozy quilt, thoughtfully crafted to provide comfort and warmth while spreading holiday cheer to both the infants and their families."

As for the Young family, the count down is on until they can take their newest addition home.

"We're hoping we'll be able to take him home just in time for Christmas and introduce him to his much bigger 15 year old half brother," Dad Jude said.

"My wife had already bought us all matching festive PJs so now we'll have to try find some small enough to fit Boaz too!"

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