Triplets born at QA Hospital hold world record for lightest combined birth weight

Three brothers, now aged two, were given the record for being the lightest trio ever born weighing in at a combined weight of just 2lb 14.34oz. They also hold the record for the most premature triplets.

Alfie, Connor and Dylan Bateman, from Havant, were born between 3pm on August 31, 2014 and 2pm on September 1, at just 23 weeks.

As part of World Prematurity Day, which is today, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth is sharing their story.

Mum Emma Seaton said: ‘After the boys were born, we spent over four months in the neonatal intensive care unit at QA.

‘The team there were amazing and kept us informed every step of the way.

‘They are a credit to the hospital and I don’t know how we would have coped without them.’

Emma went into labour unexpectedly and was rushed to hospital by her mother where she was met by partner Ray Bateman, who is father to the triplets and their 11-year-old brother.

When born, Alfie weighed 14.81oz, Connor 15.16oz and Dylan 1lb 0.36oz.

Emma added: ‘Because they were so tiny they were constantly monitored.

‘They were fed through tubes and constantly on oxygen.

‘We sat and watched them grow every day until they reached their due date.

‘Taking them home was the most amazing feeling ever. I feel lucky that, although the boys have some minor issues still to overcome, they don’t have any major health problems – they’re happy, content and cheeky.’

The neonatal intensive care unit at QA Hospital has become only the second unit in the UK to gain accreditation for its family-centred care under the Bliss Baby Charter.

The award followed a two-year process of audit, action and evaluation involving health professionals and parents.

World Prematurity Day is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families.

The Spinnaker Tower lit up in purple to show its support for the day alongside other attractions.