He has undergone two operations because he was born with a life-threatening problem.

His father, Chris Dela Cruz, said his son's first two operations were to overcome Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital condition which inhibits bowel function.

Doctors suspected the baby also had a condition which blocks the bile duct but have ruled this out. But they have left a tube inserted in his body to re-examine the bile duct in future.

Mr Dela Cruz said Cypher's troubles began almost as soon as he was born.

His mother, Fiona Dela Cruz, was 31 weeks pregnant when rushed from Blacktown Hospital to Westmead in premature labour.

Mr Dela Cruz said a bright spot occurred shortly after Cypher's birth when the family met federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, a GP, who was visiting the hospital and was able to discuss their baby's condition with them.

``As he spoke to us, it changed the mood,'' he said.

Cypher has divided his short life between Blacktown Hospital and the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

``It's hard but we have to be strong for him,'' Mr Dela Cruz said. ``We're hoping this will be the last of these operations for Cypher, so he can just live a normal life.''