Doctors were forced to deliver Sarah Hawthorn’s baby this August while she was in an induced coma after developing the flu.
At the time, the 33-year-old Victorian woman was unaware she had given birth. She remained in intensive care in a coma for months after her son was delivered, which her family called “the most perfect little baby boy.”
But now, Sarah has woken from the coma and is finally able to meet her son. She is now in a stable condition, the Age reports.
“Her son is fit and healthy,” her family explained in a statement through The Alfred Hospital.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and all the kind wishes we have received.”
They added: “It has been a big journey for our family and at this stage, while Sarah is in recovery, we won’t be making any further comment.”
According to Nine News, Sarah had contracted influenza A during the late stages of her pregnancy.
Her sister, Rachael Holt, recounted the tragic circumstances on a GoFundMe page launched to raise money for medical and travel expenses.
“During the later stages of Sarah’s pregnancy she caught the flu,” Ms Holt wrote on the page.
“As a result her gorgeous boy arrived earlier than planned and following his birth Sarah was, and remains, in a critical condition in an induced coma.”
Following her hospitalisation, Victoria’s Health Minister called for free flu vaccinations to be made available to more people.
“We have made a request to the Commonwealth Government that they look at the provision of free flu vaccinations, particularly for children,” Ms Hennessy said.
You can donate to Sarah Hawthorn’s GoFundMe campaign here.
