7 Healthcast: Bubbles & babies' lungs

Just to hear tiny Sariah Burrell cry is remarkable.

Born three months early six weeks ago, she still weighs less than two pounds.

"It's been a miracle, really," said Sariah's mom, Charmecia Burrell.

A miracle, because nobody was sure she would survive.

"At first, initially, they didn't even think the tubes would fit in her," Burrell said. "So we were preparing for the worst."

At first, doctors put Sariah on a breathing machine. Then after a week, they switched to another treatment. It involves bubbles.

The bubbles, in a saline solution, allow air into the lungs through a tube attached to the baby's nose.

"We're confident this is going to improve long-term outcome for these babies," said neonatologist, Dr. Randy Grubbs. "It was incredible the first time I saw this system in practice, for a tiny, premature babies. I was amazed it would work as well as it did also."

"So far, it's still a long journey," Burrell said. "I'm just glad she's doing good so far."

Now, Sariah is breathing on her own with no help, even from the bubbles.

"It's been a long roller coaster ride," Burrell said. "But I'm just happy she's progressing so good."

Studies show the bubble treatment offers fewer complications, and babies who receive it are at a lower risk for chronic lung disease.

As for tiny Sariah, her mom hopes to bring her home sometime around her due date, which is next month.

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