A BRAVE mum is preparing to take her baby boy home for the first time after he was born weighing the equivalent of just a bag and a half of sugar.

Baby Damon-Joseph weighed just 3lb 5oz when he arrived ten weeks early on December 9 last year.

The newborn fought an infection and recovered from a brain haemorrhage before making steady progress over Christmas.

RELATED ARTICLE: Miracle Dalton baby to celebrate first Christmas at home at fight for life

Now, mum of three Zoe Barnard, 26, says she is looking forward to getting to know her son when he is finally strong enough to be allowed home from Furness General Hospital.

"He's definitely a little fighter, I'm so proud of him," she said.

"He has managed to breathe on his own from the start, even though he was so tiny. His weight actually dropped to 2lb 4oz.

"I'm just so excited to bring him home. I've got everything ready but his moses basket is empty at night at the moment.

"I can't wait until we're all together for the first time."

Damon-Joseph's early arrival by emergency caesarean section came at the end of a turbulent seven month pregnancy for Miss Barnard who suffered a number of complications throughout the 30 week journey.

Miss Barnard initially found out she was pregnant with twins but tragically lost one during her first trimester which left her fearing for the safety of her remaining baby.

Since Damon-Joseph's birth at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and transfer to FGH aged 13 days old, Miss Barnard has juggled daily hospital visits with looking after her two older children; Jensen-Leigh and Amelia-Rose, aged five and three.

Now weighing in at nearly 5lb - still more than three lbs lighter than an average UK newborn - Damon-Joseph is demanding his own mealtimes and staying awake for longer periods in FGH's special care baby unit.

It is hoped he will be discharged from the hospital before the end of January to continue his progress at home - something Miss Barnard describes as a dream come true.

Miss Barnard, who worked at Bar Conti, in Abbey Road, before becoming pregnant last year, said she could not thank her parents, Helen and Terry Barnard, or the doctors and nurses who had helped care for her and baby Damon enough.

She said: ""It's been so frightening. I had Jenson at 37 weeks, Amelia at 32 weeks and Damon arrived at 30 weeks.

"It's been so frightening right from finding out I was pregnant with twins.

"Words just aren't enough to describe how grateful I am to my mum and dad who have looked after Jensen and Amelia while I've been in hospital myself and then back and forth every day to see Damon.

"I couldn't have done it without them. They've been incredible. We're all so lucky to have them.

"I'm looking forward to getting Damon home now."

READ MORE: Baby named after Ulverston holidaymaker who delivered her

READ MORE: Dalton woman with heart condition risks life to have baby