Mum wakes after giving birth during flu-induced coma
AUSTRALIA: A critically ill Victorian mother has woken from a coma months after she was struck down with the flu, unaware she had given birth.
Sarah Hawthorn, 33, was otherwise fit and healthy when she was caught by the influenza epidemic gripping Australia in the late stages of her pregnancy.
Hawthorn’s son was delivered five weeks premature during an emergency birth on August 28.
Her family said at the time that she was unaware she had given birth to ‘‘the most perfect little baby boy’’.
The Alfred Hospital in Mel- bourne confirmed yesterday that Hawthorn’s condition had improved from critical to stable.
In a statement released through the hospital, her family said her condition had improved and she had woken from her coma after three months in intensive care.
‘‘Her son is fit and healthy,’’ the family said.
‘‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and all the kind wishes we have received.’’
The family thanked staff at The Alfred and the intensive care unit for their dedication to Hawthorn.
‘‘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.
‘‘During Sarah’s rehabilitation, we ask that you please continue to respect our privacy.’’
Hawthorn, from Cobram in northern Victoria, initially went to her local doctor when she fell ill, but her family said she was sent home several times.
Her family claims she spent eight days seeking medical help, but was sent home from the Yarrawonga hospital and told to see a GP.
Sister-in-law Rachael Holt posted on a fundraising page set up to raise money for Hawthorn’s medical bills that her son would not be named until his mother awoke from her coma.
‘‘At present she is fully machine-supported and literally fighting for her life,’’ she posted. ‘‘The joy of the arrival of her precious baby ... tinged with sadness as we continue to hope and pray for the best possible outcome.
‘‘Her baby boy has never had the chance to lay with his mum, snuggle into her chest or hear her infectious laugh.
‘‘The funds raised will be used to help pay for travel and accommodation, living expenses and ongoing medical expenses, as Sarah will have a long rehabilitation once she makes it through.’’
Australia’s influenza season has been one of the worst in years, with 215,280 confirmed cases and 504 flu-related deaths so far this year. Numerous cases of the infection have claimed the lives of young and otherwise healthy people, including an 8-year-old Melbourne girl, Rosie Andersen, and Ben Ihlow, a father from the Victorian rural town of Bacchus Marsh. – Fairfax