Mum, 20, left fighting for life with coronavirus holds newborn son for first time

A mum who was unable to see her newborn for two months as she was fighting for her life with Covid-19 has finally been able to hold her son.

Ellie Wright, 20 and from Walsall, West Midlands, was able to touch little baby Leo for the first time on March 11 - two months after he was born prematurely on January 12.

Little Leo had to be delivered by an emergency C-section a whole 10 weeks before due date as his mum contracted Covid when she was 30 weeks pregnant.

She was fighting for her life as she was taken into Critical Care Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital's right after her son was born at 3.07pm, BirminghamLive reports.

Baby Leo is now at home with his nan and grandad and is thriving after being born weighing four pounds, four ounces.

Baby Leo had to be delivered by an emergency C-section 10 weeks before due date (WHNHST/BPM Media)

His mum was finally able to hold him on Thursday, after only being able to touch him a few weeks ago when he was brought into her room in an incubator.

“He’s heavier than I thought he would be," she said.

"I haven’t read the diary that neonatal staff kept for me while he was there yet but I will look at it properly. He looks like me; he’s got my nose!"

Ellie has been able to leave the critical care unit and is recovering well on a ward.

“I have been able to stand and I’m working on using a frame to be able to get into a chair,” she said.

The first-time mum was rushed into the Critical Care Unit as she fought for her life with Covid-19 (WHNHST/BPM Media)

"My oxygen has been reduced and the tracheostomy has gone so I can speak now. I really missed having a cup of tea and I want one of my mum’s curries when I get home.”

Ellie is now focusing on being home for her 21st birthday in May.

Xana Marriott, a senior sister, and midwife Hazel Brookes, arranged for Ellie to hold Leo.

Xana said: “She is doing really well and it’s lovely to be able to have conversations with her and see her personality coming through. And baby Leo is just gorgeous, she should be very proud of herself.”

Hazel said: “It has been lovely to support Ellie with feeding and transition to parenthood and to have close contact with her baby.

"He loved his mum’s cuddles and I’m sure she’ll get stronger and stronger each day knowing her little boy needs his mum.”