The atmosphere in the hospital room was thick with emotion when Emilie Gentry was finally handed her son. It had been seven days after she gave birth, went into septic shock and had a close call with death.
For seven agonising days, the only way she could see her son was through FaceTime because he had to be rushed to Seattle Children’s Hospital right after birth.
The 28-year-old mum had contracted the bacterial infection, chorioamnionitis.
This is a condition where “bacteria that are normally present in the vagina ascend into the uterus, where the fetus is located. The amniotic fluid and placenta — as well as the baby — can become infected. E. coli, group B streptococci, and anaerobic bacteria are the most common causes of chorioamnionitis.”
If not treated, it can lead to preterm birth or serious infection in the mother and the baby.
Septic Shock After Giving Birth
While Emilie remained in the hospital to be treated for septic shock after giving birth, EJ was rushed to Seatle Children’s Hospital. | Picture credit: SWNS screengrab
But then Emilie’s blood pressure became dangerously low and doctors could not detect her baby’s heartbeat. In the end, they had no choice but to perform an emergency C-section at 39 weeks.
During surgery, Emilie had already developed a high fever, indicating that her body was battling an infection. This was confirmed when they saw that her womb had filled with pus while her other vital organs showed early stages of failure.
When Edward Jack, or “EJ” was delivered, he did not cry. A team of doctors tried to revive him before his heart started to beat. Without a moment to lose, EJ was rushed to a NICU in Seattle Children’s Hospital while Emilie herself lapsed into critical condition as doctors began working furiously to contain her infection.
For 7 Days She Saw Her Son Only Through FaceTime
When Emilie was recovering from her septic shock after giving birth, the only way she could see her son was through FaceTime. | Picture credit: SWNS
Emilie was given two blood transfusions and put on dialysis. Only after the infection was completely flushed out of her body did she slowly begin to heal.
It was all thanks to her fiance Billy, who travelled more than 60 miles a day between the two hospitals, that Emilie was able to see EJ through FaceTime.
“The first time I saw my baby was on Facetime, it was such an emotional thing. I remember seeing his cute little face and I just knew I had to talk to him. As soon as he heard my voice I could tell he recognised it. He gave the cutest little smile. It was so, so hard.
“(Just imagine) Your baby has spent the last nine months inside you, and then so violently he’s ripped out of you. I couldn’t bear the idea that he was hurting in another hospital. It was heart-wrenching.
“When Billy walked into my hospital room carrying this little bundle. It was so overwhelming. It was the most powerful moment of my life when I finally got to meet my baby.”
The Reunion
Picture credit: SWNS
After the harrowing experience, Emilie was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and post-partum depression. But with a combination of medication, therapy and family support groups her mental health has improved.
Emilie made a full recovery with no long-term health problems, but the couple has decided that they won’t be having any more kids after this.
Despite being deprived of oxygen during birth, EJ seems to be thriving really well. The now two-year-old is doing great albeit with some minor developmental delays.
“He has a slight speech delay, but we think he’s a really smart boy. He’s so amazing. He’s very laid back, he’s funny.”
Source: Fox News
Feature and Lead picture credit: SWNS
Read also: New mum loses all 4 limbs to flesh-eating disease days after delivering a baby
