Born at 550g: how one micropreemie thrived
Benji survived as a 550g micropreemie born at 25 weeks. He is now six and healthy.
Sydney mother Hazel Castelletto conceived naturally after years of endometriosis made pregnancy seem unlikely. At just 20 weeks, she developed pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy problem that can harm organs.
Doctors delivered Benji by emergency C-section at just 25 weeks. Benji weighed 550g, small enough for a ring to slip over his shoulder.
Benji spent six months in neonatal intensive care on breathing support. Despite early fears he might face blindness, disability or speech loss, Benji beat the odds.
Now six years old, he is healthy and thriving. His family is supporting neonatal care to help other premature babies.
- 550g
- Birth weight
- 25 weeks
- Gestational age at delivery
- 6 months
- Time in NICU
- 6 years old
- Benji's current age
Why it mattersMicropreemies face tough odds, but advances in neonatal care mean more survive. Benji's story shows the real human cost and courage required.
AustraliaAustralia's neonatal units achieve world-class outcomes for extremely premature infants, giving families like Castelletto's hope when complications strike.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
