Derry minister gives newborn son 'emergency baptism' as he fights to survive

A Derry-based minister has performed an "emergency baptism" on his newborn son in hospital as the baby boy fights to survive.

Baby Daniel was born on November 1 in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry to proud parents Jules Shiels and James Shiels who is a Curate Assistant at Glendermott and New Buildings Church of Ireland.

The couple were told to only expect seconds or minutes with their son when he was born after being told of health complications during pregnancy. 

However, James posted an update on their new arrival on social media the day he was born and said he continues to fight. 

James said: "Earlier today our son, Daniel William Shiels was welcomed into this world! Early in the pregnancy we were told he had serious health complications, and to prepare ourselves to say goodbye seconds or minutes after the birth and I won’t lie, it has been incredibly hard for all of us.

"Yet throughout it all we know that God has been with us. We know that He is good, and that every moment of our son’s life over these past nine months in the womb, up to this very moment in the hospital ward, is a wonderful gift from His hand.

"Shortly after Daniel was born, while hospital staff administered oxygen, I gave him an emergency baptism, entrusting him into the care of the One who loves him even more than Julie, Clark and I do. Shortly after, by God’s grace, Daniel started breathing on his own, and while there have been a few scares in the hours since, he continues to cling on, to fight.

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"But whatever may happen, whether Daniel gets to come home with us, or goes home to the Lord, we trust that God has a plan and that neither life nor death can ever separate us from His love.

"Right now we’re just so grateful for every moment we’ve been given with Daniel, and I want to say thank you to those who have prayed and supported us over these past few months, often without even knowing the full situation. Please keep praying for us and for our boy, and may God bless you all," James posted.

He later provided a second update on November 4 with an adorable photograph of his young song and said: "I just wanted to give you all an update on how Daniel is doing. He has done better than we ever hoped! As I said before, we were told to expect only seconds or minutes with him, and even in the best case scenario, anything longer than that was going to require ventilation, feeding tubes, and constant intervention.

"Yet here we are, almost through day 4, and he needs none of that! He’s breathing well, he’s feeding well, and there’s been no complications since that first day. We can only put that down to God's kindness and to the power of prayer, because so many of you have been lifting Daniel before the Lord, and God has heard!

"Earlier today Daniel got an MRI, which showed his brain is fine and tomorrow he will get a couple of ultrasounds which we hope are good too. The consultants will then meet to discuss what comes next. So, while there is a long journey ahead, with surgeries and many unknowns, we are looking forward with hope because we know that God is with us and that He loves our little boy.

"However, we also know that not everyone is getting good news today. When we first got to the hospital we were meant to be in what’s called the “Lavender Room”, a space set aside for families who may have only a short time with their baby. Sadly, it was already being used, which means there are other parents here still walking through the darkest of valleys.

"So rejoice with us and give thanks to God, but please don't forget to pray for those other families who are struggling right now, because God sees them too and He loves them. Thank you and God bless you all. J."