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A Patient’s
Story
Having a Baby – Megan's Story, Emily Arrives part
3 of 3
For months, Noah Brunatti, 3, couldn't wait
to meet his new baby sister! He would go with his mommy, Megan Brunatti,
30, to her doctor's appointments at Pavilion Women's Health at Southern
Ocean County Hospital, where, thanks to the help of a fetal monitor,
he was amazed to actually hear the baby's heart beat.
On November
6, 2006, Noah's wait was finally over! Emily Jillian Brunatti arrived
at 8:12am, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs. , 6oz., and measuring 20
inches in length. Her big brother, who spent the day waiting with
his grandmother, arrived at the hospital at 4:00pm, with a Tigger
doll in hand, a present for his new baby sister.
"They hit it off right away," said Megan. "He always
wants to hold her and hug her and kiss her. It's very sweet."
Megan, who worked for
the Department of Environmental Protection, and her husband Brett,
a plumber, weren't sure if they would ever be able to experience
the thrill of welcoming a second child. Two years earlier, Megan
started to experience unexplained, persistent swelling and pain in
her right ankle and knee. She had developed an inflammatory arthritis
similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis as a result of a bout with Lyme Disease.
Her plans to get pregnant were put on hold until, thanks to medication
and steroids, she was able to get the disease under control.
"I
stopped my medication throughout the pregnancy," said Megan, who
endured swelling and pain as a result, especially during the hot summer months. "I
took time off from work, stayed indoors, relaxed and spent time with Noah."
By
the time Megan's due date of October 31st rolled around, this second
time mom was more than ready to deliver her baby. However, little
Emily had other plans.
"A couple of days after my due date, I had a non-stress test and they put
a fetal monitor on my belly to make sure the baby was still moving," said
Megan. "Two days later I had an ultrasound and my doctor determined, for
health reasons, that I should have a c-section.
"The Maternity Pavilion
at SOCH is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art operating room
right on the unit should a woman require a cesarean section," explained
Morris Gagliardi, MD, an OB/GYN with Pavilion Women's Health who
delivered Emily. "The
unit also provides women with a number of options to help control
pain during labor and childbirth. Some women prefer to use breathing
techniques, and other get some relief by using the giant birthing
balls. We have laboring moms also take advantage of a jucuzzi bath.."
According
to Dr. Gagliardi, medications delivered through an IV can also provide
relief. In addition, SOCH anesthesiologists are available to administer
an epidural to laboring mothers who choose that option to manager
their discomfort.
During
Megan's C-section, her husband stood by her side. "He looked good
in scrubs," mused Megan, who was overjoyed and filled with emotion when
she heard Emily's cries. "I was able to hold her right away, and the wonderful
nurses on the unit helped me get started with breast feeding."
 Three weeks
later, mom, dad and big brother were busy adjusting to the new demands
brought on by the tiny infant. "She wakes up every two to three hours
to be fed," said Megan, who is grateful for the weekends when Brett can
help with the overnight feedings. "During the day my daughter cries for
my attention and lets me know when she is not happy!"
When Emily naps, Megan
is able to turn her attention to Noah, who has recently started pre-school
a couple of days a week.
"We've become really good at
getting organized," said Megan, who stopped
breast-feeding after going back on her arthritis pain medication. "I guess
you could say that our lives are pretty normal—but I wouldn't have it
any other way!"
For more information about
Maternity Services at SOCH, or to find an OB/GYN, call SOCHConnect
at 609-978-3400.
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