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Baby Born Without Heartbeat Revived in Hour-Long Surgery
28 Jun
Summary
- Baby Luca was born seven weeks early without a heartbeat.
- Doctors successfully resuscitated Luca during an hour-long surgery.
- Luca is now feeding better and recently wore his first outfit.
Baby Luca's family is celebrating his progress after he was born without a heartbeat seven weeks before his due date. The infant, weighing just three pounds and five ounces, required an emergency C-section on May 26, 2026, when his mother, Demi Duffin, could no longer feel him move. Doctors worked for an hour to resuscitate the baby, a period his father, Charlie Hayes, described as the longest of his life.
Following the initial resuscitation, Luca was transferred to The Royal London Hospital for intensive care. He underwent two additional surgeries. His parents were finally able to hold him for the first time several weeks after his birth, a moment described as holding "my world in my hands."
Doctors have cautioned the family not to lose hope, as Luca's condition could worsen. He is expected to remain hospitalized for an extended period. A GoFundMe has been established to support the family with food, travel, and baby supplies.
An update on June 21, 2026, shared that Luca has been feeding consistently for three days and is gradually eating more. The family also shared the joyous news of being able to dress him in his first outfit.
