Premature Yorkshire baby was smaller than his toy rabbit - now he's double the size

Meet the premature baby who was once much smaller than his toy rabbit, but is now twice its size and flourishing.

Little Jacob Black, now three months old, was presented with the stuffed bunny from birth. Initially, the toy loomed large over his small stature after he arrived at just 31 weeks, tipping the scales at 3lbs 3oz.

Despite a "perfect pregnancy", his early arrival was a "big shock" for his mother, Laura Copley, aged 33.

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Her waters broke unexpectedly at 30 weeks, leading to an urgent dash to the hospital before she was sent home to recuperate. However, a week later, green mucus during a bathroom visit signalled an emergency, and she was rushed back to Barnsley Hospital where it was confirmed she was in labour.

The bunny, a gift from a friend before Jacob's birth, became a symbol of hope. Born via caesarean section at 11.27 pm, Jacob spent a week in the neonatal unit before the couple could take their little one home, where he is now "thriving".

Reflecting on those challenging times, Laura, an IT technician from Barnsley, Yorkshire, shared: "Jacob was so small when he was born and seeing the bunny propped next to his tiny frame only highlighted it. But to see him cuddle bunny now, it's safe to say he's come on leaps and bounds.

"He can't go to sleep without cuddling it and it's a reminder of everything he's been through in only three months of his little life. Other than a bit of morning sickness, it was all smooth sailing until the last week of my pregnancy.

Being a first-time mum, it made my mind go into overdrive even more so because I didn't know what was going on. I was scared that we were going to lose him. But thanks to amazing hospital staff, he was delivered safely.

"When we were finally able to hold Jacob for the first time it was magical. After everything we'd been through it was so emotional and a moment we'll never forget.

''Now he's a very happy, smiley baby, just as he should be."

Laura and her partner Gareth Black, 38, a grass cutter, who met in 2023, through social media, discovered they were expecting their first child together in August 2023 -six weeks after they began dating- leaving them "overjoyed". At 30 weeks along, Laura began to feel as though she had wet herself, and medics at Barnsley Hospital soon confirmed her waters had broken.

After being transferred to the maternity unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary for two days, Laura was able to return home to remain on bed rest. "I was determined to rest all I could to make sure Jacob stayed inside for as long as possible, and keep growing and taking everything he needs from me," the first-time mum said.

"I was beyond worried when I noticed green mucus in the toilet, Gareth and I quickly returned to Barnsley Hospital. By 9.30 pm I was gowned up ready for surgery and a nurse walked out of the room, and chucked Gareth some scrubs."

"It was very much a whirlwind. But my c-section was the most calming thing, Barnsley Hospital were amazing. I couldn't thank them enough.

"I didn't get to hold him for about 24 hours after. It was hard, and it felt like a stolen moment."

"But it was amazing to see him for the first time, nothing could've prepared us for how tiny and delicate he was. You're never prepared for having a premature baby, he didn't have clothes for the first few weeks, and it was dire trying to find sleepsuits for a 3lb baby."

Jacob was on oxygen for the first 36 hours of his life and because his digestive system hadn't fully developed. He had to be put on a feeding tube for three weeks.

Despite the couple returning home for Laura to continue to recover from her caesarean, they took it in turns to visit him as much as possible.

On 23 April, Laura and Gareth were able to bring their tot, and his bunny toy, home. Aside from having to go back to the hospital for bronchitis, Jacob now weighs 10lbs 8oz and is thriving.

"He's very chilled, and I think that's because he's used to being left to it on the ward, but he's starting to get a bit of a personality now. He's starting to talk and little bit and has an adorable cheeky streak."

"He loves me singing him songs from The Lion King and kicking around in his play gym. He's a happy little baby who loves being around people- with bunny in hand of course."