Not that his father, or mother Olivera, have been able to cradle their precious son who was born last Tuesday at just 24 weeks’ gestation, weighing a tiny 635 grams.

Wrapped in plastic, with a beanie to keep him warm, Michael was immediately placed on life support at Liverpool Hospital’s specialist neonatal intensive care unit.

A week on – still reliant on machines and the expertise of staff to keep him alive – he is starting to blink and react to the sound of his mother’s voice.

It’s a heartbreaking time for the couple and their 18-month-old daughter Savanah, who are hovering between fear and hope.

They know their journey is far from over, with even the ‘‘miracle’’ babies who survive preterm birth facing an increased risk of health challenges throughout their lives.

‘‘I started getting contractions on the Sunday and I was transferred to Liverpool where they tried to stop the labour – but he couldn’t wait,’’ Mrs Janeiro said. 

‘‘He was born with the membranes [sac] intact and the doctors opened up the waters and he looked absolutely perfect. He fights for his life every day and we are really proud of him. It’s really hard  – there’s lots of ups and downs but it’s an amazing journey.

‘‘He’s started to open his eyes and move his hands when I talk to him – even at that gestation I feel like he understands, he knows his mum and his dad.’’

Mrs Janeiro said the couple had been told if all went well, Michael would be in hospital for at least 100 days.

‘‘Staff can’t really tell us how it’s going, although they’ve said he’s a fighter,’’ she said. 

On Monday, millions of couples like the Janeiros from across the globe marked World Prematurity Day.

Each year 15 million babies are born premature – 25,000 of those in Australia.

None of these babies would survive without modern medicine, but the guidelines which determine which ones to resuscitate are under review.

At 26 weeks doctors will almost always resuscitate, while at 22 weeks babies will certainly die.

For those born from 23 to 25 weeks, it’s up to the parents to decide whether to keep them alive. 

The Janeiros chose life.

Family and friends have started a fund-raising page to help the Janeiros with travel, medical and associated expenses while a Facebook page has been set up to follow his journey.