Ahead of her second birthday, Ivy Kate—who was born at just 22 weeks gestation weighing over 14 and a half ounces—reunited with the clinical staff at Studer Family Children’s Hospital’s Small Baby Program at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Micro-Preterm Delivery: Born at 22 weeks gestation, Ivy Kate represents a cohort at the earliest most doctors believe a baby can survive outside the womb.
- Developmental Progression: Approaching her second birthday on September 24, she has advanced to eating by mouth and recently started walking.
The Clinical Realities of 22-Week Gestation Survival
Katie and Brandon Haskew were visiting family in Pensacola when an abrupt obstetric emergency necessitated an emergency C-section. Born weighing just over 14 1/2 ounces, Ivy Kate entered the world during a developmental window associated with the earliest most doctors believe a baby can survive outside the womb.
During her 205-day admission at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital’s Small Baby Program at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, the clinical team managed several severe medical obstacles. Ivy Kate required a breathing tube for respiratory support, fought off infections, and underwent heart surgery. Despite these intensive interventions, she progressed toward discharge and is now preparing to celebrate her second birthday on September 24.
Milestones and Long-Term Developmental Outcomes
“There were so many times where we didn’t know if that was going to be possible for her. Even a year ago we didn’t know she was going to be walking,” Katie Haskew noted regarding her daughter’s recovery trajectory.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the return visit, Brandon Haskew stated, “Seeing her hit the milestone it’s amazing it’s absolutely to see where she was and where she’s at now and see the people that treated her it’s always an emotional thing.” Following months of intensive inpatient care, Ivy Kate has transitioned to eating some by mouth and recently started walking.
| Clinical Parameter | Patient Detail |
|---|---|
| Gestational Age at Birth | 22 weeks |
| Birth Weight | Just over 14 1/2 ounces |
| Total Length of Stay | 205 days |
| Primary Interventions | Breathing tube, infection management, heart surgery |
| Current Status | Walking, eating by mouth, approaching 2nd birthday |
Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor
References
- Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. Small Baby Program Clinical Overview.
- WALA Fox 10 News. “Family reunites with Pensacola NICU staff ahead of daughter’s 2nd birthday.” September 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
