A MIRACLE baby born four months premature celebrates her first birthday today.
Ije McDougall was only 27 weeks pregnant when daughter ChiZara Maya was born by emergency C-section at Arrowe Park Hospital, weighing just one pound 13 ounces on January 5, 2015.
Chizara, whose Nigerian name means 'God has answered’, arrived just two days after mum was rushed to hospital.
To celebrate her first birthday, parents Ije and Simon will take Chizara on a trip to Tam O'Shanter urban farm in Bidston and Bubbles World Of Play in New Brighton.
The couple have raised funds to thank hospital staff for saving their 'miracle' daughter.
Ije, a civil servant who works for the ACAS union, originally from Nigeria but now living in Claughton, told the Globe: "We did some fundraising to say thank you to Ronald McDonald House and staff at Arrowe Park Hospital’s neo-natal unit.
"They saved her life."
Chizara and mum Ije celebrate first birthday at home this morning. Picture: Craig Manning
Ije continued: "When they bought out after the C-section, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. I didn't think she had survived.
"It was not easy at all. I want to say a big thank you to the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital."
ChiZara had to remain in hospital for two months with her mum and dad staying at Ronald McDonald house so they could be close by.
Ije added: "We were allowed to take ChiZara home on Simon’s birthday - that was another great gift for us."
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