In an incredible turnaround, a baby boy who entered this world amidst a flurry of medical interventions is now flourishing, thanks to a team of dedicated doctors who prioritized his survival from the very start. Lauren Hawking, who was a mere 15 years old when she gave birth to her son Blake, recalls the harrowing experience of his premature arrival, 13 weeks before the expected date.

Lauren, now 29, recounts how her waters broke unexpectedly at five months into her pregnancy, triggering a prolonged state of slow labor that lasted for another month. During a crucial check-up, doctors discovered they could no longer detect the baby’s heartbeat—a terrifying moment later attributed to an umbilical cord complication that had impaired circulation. Hailing from Plymouth, Lauren underwent an emergency C-section, and Blake was successfully delivered into the world. Due to his premature birth and low weight, doctors employed a ‘bagging’ technique to regulate Blake’s body temperature using a simple plastic bag. The bag acts as an insulator, preserving the baby’s heat until an incubator is available. Though the method is medically sound, Lauren was initially startled to see her newborn nestled inside a Tesco-branded zip-lock bag.

Reflecting on the experience, Lauren shared with Plymouth Live, “Blake was whisked away to intensive care before I had a chance to see him. My mum informed me about the bag, but I dismissed it until I saw it myself. Being so young and inexperienced with premature births, I trusted that the medical team was doing what was necessary for Blake’s wellbeing.”

Blake’s journey through his first four months was fraught with medical challenges. He faced numerous health complications, including anemia, an intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis, among others. Despite these hurdles, Blake battled through with resilience.

Over time, Blake developed chronic lung disease, necessitating the use of oxygen for three years. Even today, his immune system remains fragile, often leaving him susceptible to infections. Yet, these challenges have not deterred his indomitable spirit.

Now a vibrant 13-year-old, Blake has come a long way from his precarious beginnings. His mother beams with pride as she shares his accomplishments: “Blake is thriving. He’s even launched his own home baking business and spent years involved with sea cadets, participating in charity work and remembrance parades.”

Looking back, despite the scare, Lauren believes watching Blake’s growth outside of the womb was an ‘amazing’ experience.

She said: “Although that time was scary, and Blake’s life was touch and go, the experience itself was amazing. I actually got to watch my baby develop as he would have in the womb.

“It was incredible to witness. Blake and other prem babies like him, despite them being so fragile and vulnerable and so poorly, are so strong, resilient and little miracles.”

Lauren has since given birth to two other children and is with her current partner Sean, who lives with her in Plymouth.

She speaks about her resilience and highlights her experience of giving birth to a child so young. “After he came out of hospital, I was juggling school, exams, college, working and everything in between, but I don’t have any regrets. I would do it again.

“It’s not always about how old you are, I think a lot of people have a lot of criticism and stereotypical views on a teen mum, but actually I’ve worked really hard from being a young mum, to stay away from the stereotype and been able to give them a good life,” she added.

Life for Lauren and her family is now about enjoying every moment. Along with her seven-year-old daughter, Amelia, and two-year-old son, Rowan, the family spends time hiking, exploring, and rehoming animals.

“Blake’s start in life is something that has helped me ensure I never take life for granted, and so we make sure everything second counts,” said Lauren.

Lauren and her family took part in a ‘truly’ short on YouTube. You can watch the full video here.