From Fear to Joy: A First-Time Mom’s Happily Ever After

Christina always dreamed of being a mom and after marrying her long-time sweetheart Ben they began planning to start a family. To their surprise, Christina and Ben had a difficult time getting pregnant. The couple consulted a fertility specialist and after a successful first round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) became pregnant.

Christina’s pregnancy progressed as expected up until the seven-month mark. "One morning, I woke up with extreme head pain. I felt foggy and my vision started to blur," says Christina. Ben came home to check on her and when she lost consciousness, he called 911. The ambulance rushed her to Mackenzie Health, and by the time Christina woke up in the Emergency Department she was unable to see. The team of doctors and nurses in Emergency had to act quickly to save Christina and her baby. The team decided to perform an emergency c-section and rushed Christina into the operating room.

The procedure was a success and on December 3, 2018 this first-time mom delivered a healthy baby boy named Vincent at 28 weeks. Christina recovered in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while Vincent was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). "Our Labour and Delivery team promptly helped Christina to safely deliver baby Vincent. Staff, physicians and nurses at Mackenzie Health worked together across departments to ensure the health of Christina and her new baby," explains Mayura Kandasamy, Patient Care Manager in Labour and Delivery and a member of Christina’s care team.

"Although I couldn’t see Vincent as I held him for the first time, I felt more joy and love than I ever thought was possible," beams Christina. In the ICU after delivery, Christina was stabilized and soon regained her vision. She could finally see the beautiful little boy she brought into the world.

Baby Vincent spent two months in the NICU where he received compassionate and expert care from nurses like Anna and Carina. Today, Vincent is happy, healthy and hitting all of his milestones.

Christina and Ben are grateful for the knowledgeable doctors and nurses who cared for her and Vincent during her pre-term labour crisis. "My son and I are here today because of the good judgment and fast action of the Mackenzie Health doctors and nurses who cared for us," says Christina.