AT one point, she thought she might not be able to see her newborn again.
The Hong Kong woman, known only as Madam Tang, had been diagnosed with acute liver failure just weeks after she gave birth to a healthy, 3.8kg baby.
Madam Tang, a hepatitis B carrier, then lapsed into a coma and doctors said she would die if she did not get a liver transplant soon, reported Apple Daily.
But an anonymous donor gave her two-thirds of her liver, saving Madam Tang's life.
Madam Tang went through a 14-hour operation last Friday and regained consciousness on Sunday.
The donor, a woman in her 30s, insisted on not meeting Madam Tang and her family.
She does not even need to hear a word of thanks from them, said Dr Wu Guoji, who treated Madam Tang.
He told Apple Daily that the donor had learnt of Madam Tang's condition from the newspapers.
She was so determined to donate part of her liver, she was undeterred even when told of the risks of being a donor.
These include a 20cm scar and even death.
Said Dr Wu: 'She told me, 'I'm not scared. I just want to help Madam Tang. I feel that somehow, we're fated'.'
He added: 'Donors are usually spouses, relatives or close friends of the patient. This is one rare case when the donor doesn't even know the patient.'
The hospital cannot reveal her identity due to confidentiality issues.
Dr Wu said that the donor had been aware of all the risks and was prepared for every eventuality.
Madam Tang, who had given birth on 9Nov, fell sick on 25 Nov. She was told four days later that her liver was malfunctioning.
One of the functions of the liver is to remove toxic materials from the body.
It is one of few human organs capable of regenerating itself.
Dr Wu told Apple Daily that due to the liver failure, Madam Tang's brain became swollen.
He said: 'If she had not got the liver transplant, her brain stem might have been severely damaged.'
After she awoke from the operation, Madam Tang was weak and found it painful to talk due to the tube inserted in her throat, but she managed to mouth the words: 'How's the baby?'
Her husband, Mr Tang, reassured her, saying: 'Baby's fine, don't worry.'
He then showed her a video of a family member giving the baby a bath.
Mr Tang told Apple Daily: 'After watching the video, she shed a tear.'
He told her about the transplant and told her to focus on recovering.
Mr Tang said: 'I told her 'You must live well. There's a long road ahead of you. It's your great fortune to have such a great benefactor who's so selfless. You must not let her down'.'
Madam Tang is now under observation to ensure that her body does not reject the liver.
The anonymous donor is also recovering in a common ward and is expected to be discharged within a week.
Mr Tang sent her a thank-you letter, but she has not responded.
This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 9, 2008.
