Baby Born At 22 Weeks Breaks Hospital Record

A baby born four months early has finally gone home after months in the hospital. Russell William Appold Jr. was born at 22 weeks and spent over four months at Tulane Lakeside Hospital in intensive care. On Thursday, he broke a hospital record as the most premature baby ever to graduate from the NICU.

"His parents, Natasha Williams and Russell Appold Sr., were often at his side in the NICU, helping to care for him, hold him and give skin-to-skin contact, and provide the kind of love only a mother and father can give," the hospital said in a release.

The hospital has called baby Russell a fighter and miracle baby, 4WWL reports. Since being born May 22, he has steadily improved, growing and gaining weight during his 133 days in NICU. His parents finally took him home this week, and they look forward to telling him stories about his first few months and everyone who helped take care of him.

"As he grows, we will tell him stories of the dedicated nurses and doctors and staff members at Tulane Lakeside Hospital who helped a 22-week-old baby get to the point of coming home," Natasha said.

According to 4WWL, before finally leaving the hospital, little Russell's car seat was put in a wagon as he and his parents paraded through the halls in a crown and scepter, a "sendoff fit for a king."

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