Iowa baby born at 21 weeks, weighing less than a pound, celebrates second birthday

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa baby who entered the world at just 21 weeks gestation — the most premature birth ever recorded — is now a thriving toddler celebrating his second birthday, a story of resilience that has captivated his family and community.

Nash Keen, born on July 5, 2024, weighed just 10 ounces at birth, less than a can of soda. He holds the Guinness World Record for the world's most premature baby, having arrived 133 days before his due date. His mother, Mollie Keen of Iowa, said the family's journey from the neonatal intensive care unit to a backyard birthday party has been nothing short of miraculous.

How did this Iowa baby survive against all odds?

Mollie Keen told Just The News Iowa that when Nash was born, she felt an overwhelming sense of hope rather than fear. The family had previously lost a baby girl, McKinley, at 19 weeks gestation in September 2023, making Nash's survival all the more precious.

“I don't remember being consumed by fear in those initial moments, just an overwhelming sense of hope,” Mollie said. “Looking back, I think my body and mind were in shock, but my heart was completely fixed on holding onto hope.”

Nash spent 189 days in the NICU at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, a facility known for its advanced neonatal care. Because he was a micropreemie, his skin was severely underdeveloped and almost translucent. Doctors had to work carefully to help his skin keratinize, a process that took his first month of life.

At just 3 weeks old, Nash underwent emergency surgery for a bowel perforation, requiring an ileostomy and the removal of a third of his small intestine.

“It was surreal to watch a surgeon operate on a baby that tiny, but he proved how much of a fighter he was,” Mollie said.

What challenges did the family face after leaving the hospital?

Bringing Nash home for the first time was a mixture of excitement and terror, Mollie said. During the two-hour drive from Iowa City to their home, his pulse oximeter alarm kept going off, and they struggled to set up his oxygen concentrator once they arrived.

Less than 48 hours later, the family had to return to the hospital after Nash caught an asymptomatic respiratory virus on the journey home. He spent another 25 days in the pediatric intensive care unit.

“We spent the next 25 days in the PICU watching him fight to breathe, which was honestly more traumatic than our original 189 days in the NICU,” Mollie said. “Bringing him home the second time was everything we had dreamed. We felt more prepared that time around.”

How is Nash doing today?

Now a toddler, Nash is hitting developmental milestones on his own timeline. He is crawling, exploring new foods, saying new words, making animal sounds, and is described by his mother as the happiest, most joyful kid in the world.

“He is so determined. He hits every goal on his own timeline, and we couldn't be prouder,” Mollie said. “Right now, he is crawling like crazy, exploring new food tastes, saying new words, making animal sounds, and being the happiest, most joyful kid in the world every single day.”

Nash recently celebrated his second birthday with 20 family members and close friends at a local outdoor venue. The weather was perfect, a local band played and sang “Happy Birthday” to him, and the family opened gifts together. Since Nash isn't eating by mouth yet, they celebrated dessert with mini frosted cinnamon rolls, and he got to enjoy a few licks of the frosting.

What does this story mean for Iowa families?

Nash's story highlights the advanced medical capabilities available at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, a resource for families across the state facing high-risk pregnancies and premature births. It also underscores the strength of Iowa families who face extraordinary challenges with faith and perseverance.

“Nash's birthday means the world to us,” Mollie said. “While it's bittersweet to watch him grow so fast, every single birthday is a reminder of his strength and resilience. When we look back at photos of him in the NICU, we can hardly believe that was the same boy. You would never guess today how small and fragile he once was.”

The family, which also includes Nash's older brother Trip, 16, continues to celebrate every milestone. Mollie credits the support of family, friends, and her employer for helping them through the long months in the hospital.

“The incredible support from our family, friends, and my employer, along with celebrating even the smallest victories, is truly what carried us through those long six months,” she said.