Saturday, November 1, 2014

The Miracle of Birth



I witnessed the miracle of human borth. It wasn't a natural delivery, so there was no mother moaning in pain as her infant inched his way out of the birth canal to join humanity, but it was about as dramatic and every bit as miraculous as a traditional birth.

The baby's mother suffers from cystic fibrosis and would have had trouble with a lengthy labor. Forthermore, even a five-pound child was probably more than she would have been able to push out. It was a planned Caesarean delivery that was moved up by a few hours when the mother's mwater broke and labor began in earnest.

The delivery team quickly assembled. blood was typed, the mother was prepped, and we all scrubbed and put on our protective gear. theanesthesiologist worked her magic with a spinal block, and a few minutes later baby Andrew was screaming. He did well for being five weeks early with apgar scores I can't recall but what would be considered good for a full-term baby. 

Everyone but the two surgeons, the OR technician, the obstetrical nurse, a gastroenterological surgeon, and the anesthesiologist left as soon as the baby was out. I stayed because i was supposed to observe the entire procedure. I actually performed, underuincredibly close supervision (as in the assisting surgeoan's hand's were practically on top pf mine as I stitched0, three of the internal sutures. A whole lot goes on even in a routine C-section once the baby has been removed, but in this case, the gastroenterologist wanted to take the opportunity since the mother's abdomen was open to look at a couple of places he though adhesions ight be forming from previous surgeries. his work made the surgery even longer, but eventually the final external sutures were made, the mother was rolled into recovery, and the father came in with the baby.

The little giy is incredibly cute, and I'm not saying that just because he's my Godchild. He has light olive skin and very dark brown hair- almost black; he's half cuban -- and blue eyes. The obstetrical nurse can usually tell with the eyes even of a neonate whether they're staying blue or turning, and she says the baby's eyes will be blue. time will tell.

The baby likes me. I can always get him to stop crying. He doesn't like me as well as he likes his mother, who has all the equipment to feed him, but still he likes me.

Witnessing new life coming into existence is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

4 comments:

  1. It's a joy that never fades, or shouldn't. I'm incredibly privileged to spend my days doing what you did , as the assistant surgeon. I call it privilege without responsibility.

    This little one has been so desired and cherished already. Congrats to Jillian and Scott from those of us whom they don't know ,butt are grateful that they permit to share you and your ups and downs.

    Godmother is an honour, isn't it great that the amount of love just increases with the new little one. Nobody gets short changed, there's just more of it.

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    1. in a way, it makes me a bit sad, because every baby has a right to be wanted and eagerly anticipated as much as this baby was and is, yet it apparently doesn't aslways work out that way.

      It's not about wealth or materia status, either, although I understand how not knowing how a parent is going to put a roof over a baby's hed would put a bit of a damper on the joy one should feel. Still, that's what birth control is about. wait until you can supply at least the most basic necessities for the baby, and then be grateful for the gift you were given.

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  2. That is just awesome, Alexis. I'm so glad you had that experience. What an amazing day!

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    1. I'm pretty sure it's the most amazing day I can remember. It certainly trumps recitals, graduations, and athletic competitions. The only thing that came close was when we found out that what might have been my mom's round #2 with leukemia wasn't lekemia after all.

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