The World's Most Premature Baby Survives His First Birthday and Was Born in Minneapolis

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

Back on June 5, 2020, there was this little guy who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His name is Richard Scott William Hutchinson.

Richard is currently a 1-year-old, and he had to fight against enormous odds just to be born. You see, when his mother, Beth, went into premature labor, he wasn't due for another 131 days (which was basically 4 months).

When he was born, he weighed at just 11.9 ounces and had measured 10.2'' in length. He could barely fit into the palm of his parents' hands and weighed roughly the same as a can of soup.

It was estimated that his gestational age was clocked in at 21 weeks and two days.

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

Once the tiny infant was born, he was sent for care to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

His parents braced for the worst. They were told by doctors that he had a 0% chance of survival, given how premature he was and the health complications that came with it. Yes, that number was 0%.

As Richard's neonatologist, Dr. Stacy Kern, reported:

"When Rick and Beth received prenatal counselling on what to expect with a baby born so early, they were given a 0% chance of survival by our neonatology team."

She also added:

"I knew the first few weeks of Richard’s life would be very difficult, but I felt that if he could make it through that, he would be a survivor."

However, to the relief of everyone, Richard proved everyone wrong, even the doctors.

To top it off, the Guinness World Records (GWR) recently reported that Richard was the world's most premature baby to survive. What a great way to celebrate your very first birthday.

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

He defeated the world record previously held by James Elgin Gills. James was born in Ottawa, Canada, a full 21 weeks and 5 days premature, back on May 20, 1987.

Not many of us have these kinds of bragging rights. Even his mom felt the whole experience was surreal but wonderful.

"It doesn’t feel real. We’re still surprised about it. But we’re happy. It’s a way we can share his story to raise awareness about premature births."

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

Yet, the year that Richard had wasn't an easy one. The ongoing pandemic ensured that his parents couldn't stay at the hospital with him.

Each and every day, his mom, named Beth, and his dad, named Rick, made the long commute back and forth from their residence all the way to Minneapolis.

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/GOFUNDME

You see, they travelled from the family home back in St. Croix County, Wisconsin all the way to Minneapolis, Minnesota just to get a glimpse of their newborn son. He was apparently very tiny and frail for his age.

You can see a screenshot of the long-distance below:

Screenshot from Google Maps

As the father told Guinness World Records:

“We made sure we were there to give him support. I think that helped him get through this because he knew he could count on us.”

On the upside, his parents are very caring people, willing to travel to great lengths just to visit their son.

Dr. Stacy Kern had reported this to Guinness World Records:

“Rick and Beth fought for Richard day after day and never stopped advocating for their baby through it all. Their strength and ability to stay positive and hopeful even during the most stressful and difficult times was inspiring."

She also firmly believes that the parents played an active role in his survival:

"I credit his miraculous survival to his wonderful parents who were there for him every step of the way and to the entire neonatology team at Children’s Minnesota. It takes a village to care for and support these babies until the time they are ready to go home." 

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

Regardless, six months after that ordeal, little Richard was able to finally make his way home. By then it was early December 2020. Even the doctor cried.

"The day Richard was discharged from the NICU was such a special day. I remember picking him up out of his crib and just holding him with tears in my eyes."

Dr. Kern reflected:

“I couldn’t believe this was the same little boy that once was so sick, that I feared he [might] not survive.”

Dr. Kern also remembered:

“The same little boy that once fit in the palm of my hand, with skin so translucent that I could see every rib and vessel in his tiny body. I couldn’t help but squeeze him and tell him how proud I was of him.”

As of now, Richard isn't out of the woods quite yet. He still requires check-ins and needs assistive equipment for daily living. When he came home, he required a feeding tube pump, a pulse oximeter, and was still on oxygen.

Photo of the baby from the Hutchinson Family/Guinness World Records

Both Beth and Rick are highly appreciative of the work done at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Minnesota Hospital.

Beth even said this:

"They are the most amazing team. We love the staff that took care of our son, and wish we could share him with them all the time. He was called the 'miracle baby' when he was there. I agree with them."

The people of Minneapolis, Minnesota will hopefully be pleased to know about the quality of care provided at the Children's Minnesota Hospital. Plus, his story is quite inspiring too.

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