A young mum who gave birth in a coma after contracting Covid has finally met her daughter – nearly a month later.
Saskia Lane, 21, became seriously ill with Covid in August and was admitted to intensive care.
She was eight months pregnant, and had to undergo an emergency caesarean while in an induced coma.
Doctors at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath decided to keep Saskia in an induced coma during the birth so she'd have the best chance of survival.
After three weeks, Saskia was woken up. She and met her daughter Betsy Mae Blackman met for the first time on September 30.
Saskia was also reunited with her partner Lee Blackman, 23.
Saskia, from Partridge Green, Sussex, is now urging other pregnant women to have the Covid vaccine after she initially decided to turn it down.
Saskia's mum Becky Knight, 41, explained: "Saskia was diagnosed with gestational diabetes whilst pregnant with Betsy and decided not to have the vaccine initially after worrying about the impact it could have on Betsy.
"I encouraged her to get the vaccine but unfortunately, she had her first jab a few days before contracting Covid so it wasn't effective.
"She initially felt worn out and tired but eventually, she began experiencing breathing difficulties and on her third trip to A&E, they admitted her to the intensive care unit.
"The doctors decided that Betsy should be delivered immediately to help her body have the best possible chance to beating Covid and she was aware of this.
"But after putting her to sleep, doctors decided to keep her in an induced coma to allow her body to rest and recover.
"We were all absolutely devastated - we couldn't go in and visit her because she had Covid and Lee wasn't able to meet Betsy until she was a few days old.
"When she was finally woken up, she was extremely confused and didn't understand what had happened, so I reassured her that Betsy was fine and healthy and we gave her, Lee, and Betsy the chance to meet for the first time privately."
Betsy was born healthy and weighed 5lb 8oz.
Saskia is still at Guy's Hospital in London receiving treatment after severe damage to her lungs.
She was transferred to three different hospitals as medical staff battled to keep her alive.
Saskia was put on a life support machine at St Thomas' hospital in London for two and a half weeks – and her mother said this "ultimately saved her life".
Becky said: "She's been in intensive care for nine weeks now and we can't wait for her to come home.
"Her lung has collapsed so it's only half the size of a normal one.
"She also has sepsis in her lung and has had a total of six drains put into her lungs, as well as a tracheotomy which left her unable to speak for three weeks when she woke up."
Becky added: "While she was in a coma, we were able to see her only through video calls and it was devastating seeing her in that state."
Saskia is now "terrified of going home" because she doesn't want to catch Covid again.
"It's traumatised her," Becky said. "Saskia wants to encourage everyone to get the vaccine following her experience."
The family praised the hospital staff who have cared for Saskia, saying "the nurses and doctors went above and beyond to look after her and save her life."
Saskia is also a mum to Eliza Blackman, who's nearly two years old. The family are fundraising to support Lee and Saskia once she returns home from hospital.
Lee, who works as a panel beater, has had to go part time following Saskia's illness and is looking after both Betsy and Eliza while she is in hospital.
Becky added: "There's no funding if you contract Covid and are seriously ill and have to take time off work.
"She's also been diagnosed with postnatal depression so we're hoping to get her some more funding to cover therapy costs once she's home."
To donate, visit: Help For Saskia’s Recovery and Her Family, organized by Charlotte Lane
