NBA star J.R. Smith, 31, and his wife Jewel Harris welcomed their 3rd daughter 5 months prematurely.
The couple shared the sad news in a video uploaded to Uninterrupted.com on Saturday. “We’ve got very important news,” Smith said at the beginning of the video.
Jewel, who married the Cleveland Cavaliers star in August, said, “Hi, everybody. We decided to share with the world what’s been going on with our family the past five days. We know a lot of you guys congratulated us on the expectancy of our little baby girl, but we had her five months early. She’s five days old today and her name is Dakota and she weighs one pound.”
She continued, “We know we’re not the only family going through this, who has been through this, and who will ever go through it. That’s why we decided to share what we’re going through with you guys. Please keep us in your prayers and we’ll do the same for everyone else.”
Jewel and J.R. have 7-year-old daughters, Demi Smith and Peyton Rose Smith.
Infants who are born prematurely are usually diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome because they lack a substance in the lungs called surfactant.
Surfactant is a milky liquid produced by the lungs that keeps the airway open and prevents the tiny air sacs (alveoli) inside the lungs from collapsing.
Doctors can introduce artificial surfactant into the lungs through a tiny breathing tube. The chances of survival are slim for babies born in the 2nd trimester.
Thanks to loyal reader Lovezoe for the tip.
I see you Zoe! You made to the top Craig.???
God Bless their Family! I pray the little one makes it through.
Prayers
Doctors can introduce artificial surfactant into the lungs through a tiny breathing tube. The chances of survival are slim for babies born in the 2nd trimester.
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Many in health community and non believers dont believe in the power of prayer. My son born at 23 weeks, weighing 1 pound 1 once, was given the worse news. He would never walk or talk. The devil is a lair!
That was in 1997. He is a college student.
Prayers going up for baby girl and strentgh to the Smith.
Prayers for her!
Don’t think those girls are twins. Only one was with them for Christmas. Unless they’re “ghetto twins”
I hate when babies are sick. Praying the baby pulls through.
They aren’t twins T.I. Situation …but prayers to her and him
My last one was a premature and weighed in at one pound. I had to leave the hospital without her which was hard for me but the NICU told me don’t worry, black girls are fighters in NICU.. (Not saying other are not) but Bella pulled through and she is as bright as any other child. She is actually above the normal level. She was soooo tiny. God bless them and I hope they know this too shall pass
My friends son was born in her 2nd trimester & only weighed 1lb. He’s now a healthy, thriving, full of life 8 year old. Much love to them. ????
5 months premature?! That’s like a turkey that’s only been in the oven for one hour! ?
Sometimes it’s better to remain silent. No doubt, we already know you’re a fool.
The baby will be fine… Congratulations to these two with their new bundle of joy…
God bless them. Congrats little girls are fighters, she’ll be alright.
Prayers to them????
Prayers to them????
Please remove folks insensitve comments sometimes Sandra. Imma flag this and minimize. In meantime
Who talking ish??? I had one that didn’t make it…..they can have so many physical and developmental problems if they do make it.
That’s is great!!
You always saying something ignorant. Dumb-ass.
Blessings to the family.
Chicagowise.
I’m not here for it. Friend of bf, she just lost one before Thanksgiving. So very sad and God bless you too
????
God is Able.
? Chile…
There’s a lot of believers out there. Unless you’re in an environment that promotes prayer, a lot tend to stand back because there are hard-core, fact, critical thinkers and many different values, beliefs (and non-believers). But, oh, baby…when you do come across a believer or someone who has seen it…???
You best believe I pray over myself, this mind, body and spirit…my hands even before I hit the door. Sometimes I put a little Lucy prayer oil on because SURELY…?
~takes off running~
Prayers for the Smith’s, especially baby Dakota ??????
Prayers for their baby to overcome this.
I guess its easier for u to make jokes in this situation, I hope no one in your family has to experience something like this…. @sshole
…we got a runner at church. Told my hubby I was gonna run
He said, he would be outside. Everybody aint able or its not there thing, and thats okay. But for me and my house. If you knew my testimony. OIL, SAGE, CLOTHS….HUGS
My thoughts & prayers are with them… I lost my baby Wednesday night…??????????????????????????????????
That is so scary! I could not imagine waiting so long to have a child and…prayers to anyone who is suffering through this.
I wish them the best. Babies do better that have parents who are with them as much as possible. It’s hard, especially if you can’t hold them at first. But they know if mama and daddy are there or not.
I’m so sorry you lost your baby. Just take care of yourself and don’t let anyone tell you how or how long to grieve.
Sending prayers, and strength. My nephew was premature, and only weighed 1lb. He is now 21, healthy, and thriving, so keep the faith, and the baby will get healthy.
I had no idea why comment was so controversial. ?
?????? to you and your fam
Thoughts and prayers for you and yours…….
Not controversial, just insensitive.
Sorry for your loss! ??
Sorry for your loss! ??
Thank you love. Everything happens for a reason….and the father was a joke who would have had me in jail???
Prayers for the Smith family
I had no idea it was insensitive, either. It was merely an observation.
My little cousin was born within 5 months. No bigger that than the palm of a teens hand. He was. So tiny and had open heart surgery. Stayed in NICU for about 4 or 5 months. He is now a ninja. You can’t stop him! So sad for them
My prayers go out to them. My son was born Wednesday, 4 months premature and passed away early friday morning. I’m so devastated as well as my mother we were looking forward to him being here in May. I got to hold him while he took his last breathes in my arms. RIP Tristan Wade Mommy loves you.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. RIP little Tristan.
May you and your family find peace in this time of grief. Deepest sympathies.
I’m so sorry
RIP Tristan
You dick
God bless you
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sending you my prayers and condolences.
👼 🙏
She lost a baby named Tristan then we have a gown assed man named Tristan who won’t go see about his own healthy baby. Pisses me off.
👼 🙏
👼 🙏 We love you. We’re sorry you are in suffering but we are here A 🌹 for a 🌹
God bless you and keep you as you mourn. May he heal your womb and it be fruitful. #childlessmommy
This person is very hateful of anything black related.
A 🌹 for you. We sorry but we’re here with you.
And it clicks the letters everyday that reaffirm its position.
Amen
Praying for them. My baby was born at 26 weeks and it was a struggle in that NICU for 4 mths. Thank God he only has asthma. Technology has advanced so Dakota should be fine.
Sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry for your loss?
Thank u.. .that means alot 2 me, ?
Thank u, & God bless u 2…
Thank u so much….
Thank u….
Thank u…?
Thanx, I appreciate that….
Thank you so much. ..
Condolences for your loss and prayer for your tomorrows.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much…?
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers ??????
So so sorry for your loss
Aww man so sorry
Made me ???! Thank you
This is sad, but I’ll pray for little Dakota. Love the name!
I am so sorry for you loss. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy.
I have a granddaughter named Lyric who was born at 6 months on Jan. 3rd.. Lyric was born 1lb 9 oz.. She has currently gained weight and basically breathing on her!! She’s taking her Mommy’s milk in a syringe…
She has so much color to her!!!
I really feeling that she’s going to be just fine!!
My Lil Lyric!!!
My condolences !!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!
(((((((HUG))))))))
Here to share in the hopeful spirit! Preemies are incredibly strong and babies born in the high ounces under one pound make it and grow up to the thrive!
Congratulations to the Smiths on the birth of their miraculous baby girl Dakota! My prayers are with these Blessed new parents. May they take care of each other, rotate sleeping schedules, keep their strength up for their beautiful new baby!
Amen!
Our baby girl was born at 32 weeks just about 5 pounds. She had classmates ? (that’s what we called her friends in the NICU) that were under a pound and they were fighters putting on weight and getting healthy fast.
Hope, prayer, strength, breast milk, and as soon as permitted kangarooing are everything. ?
Jesus, forgive me, I didn’t read ahead to your comment. My heart is broken for you and your family. Moms of preemies have a bond. I am sending you and your family love, heartfelt condolences and prayers for comfort and strength. ??
I’m sorry. What is broken in men when they don’t bond with their babies. Heartbreaking.
Your one of those people who chuckle at everything painful but when pain and heartbreak do hit you you hurt deeply and cry where no one can see. A baby is not to be compared to a turkey in an oven.
The wife looks super healthy and normal, for a person who just delivered a premature baby. Did they use a surrogate?
? What do women who just delivered premature babies usually look like? Do they not look like women who just delivered term babies? That’s what they usually look like to me. The women who have multiple births and deliver early look “healthy and normal” 5 days later. IMO your post and question was kinda rude. She looks like a mother whose been crying for 5 days. Do you not see the bags under her eyes? What does having a surrogate have to do with the baby being born early? Babies are born early for MANY reasons. SMH@looks healthy and normal. NOTHING can make a baby stay in a womb if the body says otherwise.Not stitching the cervix closed, not medication. There’s this thing called PreTerm Labor that causes babies to be born early that’s no one’s fault. It just happens. So rude. All I see is two parents who have clearly been crying and weren’t expecting to have their baby this soon, and the mom couldn’t even make it through the clip without starting to cry again. Praying for them and their daughter.
Every woman looks differently. Remember also she delivered this baby 4 months early. That means she may not have gained very much or any weight at all if any. I am currently 5 months pregnant and haven’t gained any weight. This is just another spectrum of normal. Some babies are born early even if nothing is wrong with the mother. Our bodies are amazing even though we may not understand the hows or whys of things. Sometimes when a baby is in distress, although the mother’s body is healthy, the baby’s distress sends signals to the mother’s body to start labor. There are a myriad of reasons for an early delivery. I offer my prayers and thoughts to this family and their little fighting princess. Anyone else going through this has my prayers and thoughts as well.
What a blessing! Congratulations on your granddaughter and her fighting spirit. I pray she continues to thrive and grow
Oh, sweetie, my heart aches for you. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am familiar with the loss of a child. Sometimes their time here with us in the physical is only for a short while. You have my prayers and thoughts. I wish I could hug you and help comfort you. I’m sure Tristan felt your immense love.
Come thru baby Dakota! You can do it!
I wish the family well especially the child as my sisters have similar plights but it would seem that people make it a sport to broadcast every avenue of their life; albeit raised awareness or not.
Prayers said in private are beneficial as well.
I am so sorry for your loss of your precious son.
I am sorry for your loss as well.
It wasn’t a joke. It was an observation.
Thank you so much…
He is now a ninja —- ?
My prayers go out to this family. My son was born right at seven months, and spent about a month in the nicu. We were fortunate that he was able to breath on his own, and gained the needed weight through breast milk .Ten years later, he’s a happy, healthy, normal child!!!!
God Bless this family.
Wait, you have “observed” humans being baked in ovens like turkeys? I think you meant to use the word analogy instead of observation. Overall, most would consider it an insensitive and tasteless analogy.
Let Me jus Share, My son Jameson was born 12/2/2015 and wasn’t due until March 27,2016..i was only 5 months into my pregnancy.. he was 1lb also when he was born and spent 125 days in the nicu.. he suffered from chronic lung syndrome, was on ventilators, came home on a bit of oxygen. fast forward 13 months later, my jameson is 23lbs, starting to walk, he is trying to talk, and eats like a grown man,, he is oxygen free and I jus wanna say God is amazing.. I wanna pray for the strength of the Smith finally because this is NOT an easy journey BUT with faith, love, support from each other, and good doctors, everything will turn out jus fine! congrats to you all on your little miracle.. these preemies are fighters!
I really think we need to allow boys to play with dolls in a healthy role as the dad. We tell young boys not to hold or rock baby dolls then wonder why they don’t want to “play” with their own kids. We instilled in them that the role is for women only. IMHO Soon as we see boys with dolls we snatch it and hand them a ball or toy gun.
Most preemies who survive are lucky. If they develop respiratory distress syndrome, they don’t survive. The kidneys are the first to fail from lack of blood oxygen, and there are no preemie blood dialysis machines. So those babies won’t make it.
Many prayers. I was 4 months premature and it stunted my growth. Other then that no issues as an adult, and this was in 1981… I’m sure with prayer and love the baby will be just fine and live a normal healthy life <3. Prayers sent!!!!
Amen!!!!
Love this. Amen.
Ms. Sandra, Thank you for sharing your expertise as a Nurse. Please consider a medical minute on premature births. You could bring much awareness. With our daughter’s premature birth, I found being in state of positive thinking tunnel vision was the way I stayed in good spirits in the NICU. I was also a preemie. Some doctors think premature births are hereditary.
I am so sorry for your loss, how devasting. Yes, i too had a preemie daughter that dis not make it. She Gabrielle would have been 16 in October. Just know you always have a special abgel in heaven just for you.
Much Love
Jussie
Not right now.
Lil Lyric’s dad(My only son) Birthday is 12/02…
everyone I’ve met who shares that birth date are awesome.. very nice, respectable people!
My son is that