Snoh’s Story at Johns Hopkins All Children’s: From One Pound to a Thriving NICU Graduate
The first thing you notice about baby Snoh are her big, beautiful eyes framed by long lashes. On this day, her eyes follow every bit of activity in her Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) room. Nurses hoist up a pink cap and gown, banners read: “We’re so proud of you.” After 245 days—nearly eight months—in the NICU, Snoh is heading home to Parrish, Florida.
Her story reflects what Prematurity Awareness Month in November signifies and celebrates.
A Christmas Eve Surprise
Jasmyne and her husband, Jeff, chose their daughter’s name long before she was born. Inspired by the Swedish singer Snoh Aalegra and meaning “beauty, peace and new beginnings,” the name proved fitting when their baby arrived on Christmas Eve—more than 17 weeks early, at just 23 weeks’ gestation.
Jasmyne’s pregnancy was complicated by fibroid deterioration, and when she went into preterm labor, doctors in Sarasota performed an emergency C-section. Snoh, born weighing just over one pound, was immediately placed on a breathing tube. Within three weeks, her medical team transferred her to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for the specialized care of its Level IV NICU.
Overcoming the Odds
When she arrived, Snoh weighed just 520 grams — about the size of a small potato. Her tiny lungs required a high-frequency oscillator ventilator, and doctors performed a delicate Piccolo procedure to close a heart vessel common in premature babies. Despite setbacks, including multiple viruses and pneumonia, Snoh began to thrive.
“It took a full eight weeks or so before we could reduce the amount of oxygen she was receiving from the ventilator,” says Snoh’s nurse Emily Lafond, R.N. “Once we started weaning her off, she tolerated it and didn’t look back.”
“She's a fighter,” adds Johns Hopkins All Children’s neonatologist Sandra Brooks, M.D. “Every time she faced a setback, she rebounded. That made her such a standout in the NICU.”
“Snoh’s picture could be in the dictionary under grit and resilience,” says Preceous Jensen, D.O., M.P.H.
Jasmyne credits the hospital’s team approach to Snoh’s success. “Having so many specialists in one place made a world of difference,” she says.
Growing and Thriving
As she grew stronger, Snoh became the unofficial “mayor” of the NICU — greeting everyone with giggles and smiles. She especially loved her music therapy sessions. “Music calmed her right down,” says music therapist Hannah Keglovits, MT-BC, NICU-MT. “Eventually, she started singing along, which was such a special moment.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye
At nearly 15 pounds, Snoh was ready to go home. Her nurses — Emily Lafond, Michelle Harper and Savannah Jordan — wiped away tears. “Usually, babies born at 23 weeks have multiple complications, but she doesn’t,” Lafond said. “Her brain is fine, her heart is fine — and her lungs are improving every day.”
As staff cheered and waved pom-poms, Jasmyne and Jeff thanked everyone through tears. “God is good,” Jasmyne says. “Snoh is literally a miracle, and her care team are miracle workers.”
The Future of Neonatal Care
Doctors at Johns Hopkins All Children’s note that Snoh’s story reflects remarkable advances in neonatal medicine. “Years ago, babies born at 22 or 23 weeks were at the edge of viability,” Brooks says. “Now, many are thriving.”
Jensen adds, “With every baby like Snoh, we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Related:
- Aliyah is Cured of Sickle Cell Disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Infant Receives Life-saving Heart Care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Full Circle at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
*Presented by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital