Kassi and Matt Foote, first-time parents in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were counting the days until their new baby was born.
Between the baby showers and shopping for new baby supplies, Foote maintained a regular schedule of visits to her obstetrician, who monitored her vital signs and those of her baby. During one of her visits, Foote was diagnosed with gestational hypertension – a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.
While gestational hypertension can occur by itself, it can also be a sign of preeclampsia – a serious complication for expectant mothers and their babies. Preeclampsia, which can occur during pregnancy or after delivery, is characterized by high blood pressure, a decrease in blood platelets and potential damage to the placenta, kidneys and other organs of the mother.
Watching for Preeclampsia
As Foote’s due date approached, her doctor conducted regular ultrasounds and blood pressure checks to monitor for any signs of preeclampsia.
Then at one appointment, Foote and her doctor decided that the safest course of action was to admit her to Lovelace Women’s Hospital and induce labor under the close supervision of the Labor and Delivery team. If preeclampsia were to set in, she would be in the best place to treat it.
Foote was admitted to the hospital on a Thursday morning and IV medication was started to speed up her contractions. “The hospital team described everything they would do to induce labor and what I would experience,” said Foote.
Thirty hours into labor, Foote was given an epidural injection to block much of her pain. However, only minimal cervical dilation was occurring around her uterus. “The baby and I were always safe,” she said. “This was just taking a long time.”
Change of plans
Now 50 hours after being induced, her medical team determined they needed to deliver the baby by cesarean section surgery.
“This change upset me because it wasn’t planned,” said Foote. But her anesthesiologist, Kyle Rodgers, CRNA, took the time to explain how it would work.
“He gave me good expectations for the surgery, which was empowering. His great attitude put us all at ease. Before he left my room, he said, ‘Bring your phone because we’re going to need music for this birthday party!’”
A short time later, their baby girl Cambell was born on a Saturday afternoon in August. While the baby was healthy, Foote was experiencing the effects of postpartum preeclampsia: headaches, nausea and severely high blood pressure. Additional IV fluids and medication were started for the 24 hours after delivery.
“Through it all,” said Foote, “I felt very assured that everything was fine. I trusted all the doctors and nurses there.”
Foote remained in the hospital for several days and felt well cared for by the nursing team. “My night nurse Julie Bowen, RN, was an angel,” said Foote. “Every time she checked on me, I forgot I was in a hospital. It felt like home.”
Slow recovery
For Foote, recovery took a while. At first, she couldn’t sit up or walk, but postpartum nurses Chrissy and Randy helped her walk and stand for the first time. By six weeks after the surgery, Foote was feeling much better and walking at a normal pace.
The Lovelace team also helped Foote get used to breastfeeding. “They really want you to be successful with breastfeeding,” she said. “They showed me how to hold Cambell to help her latch onto me. Anytime I needed a lactation specialist, she would come immediately to my room. They gave me all the tools I needed to breastfeed Cambell at home.”
Foote had kind words to say about all the staff who cared for her, including Chrissy Cruz, RN, Randy Miranda, RN and Laney Polk, RN with the Postpartum Unit.
“I will never forget the nurses who cared for me,” she recalled. “For a first-time mom, it was a very scary time, but they were reassuring and made everything seem so normal. The whole thing was a very humanizing experience. Matt and I are so grateful for their care. They were so comforting.”
For more information about the obstetrics and gynecology services at Lovelace Women's Hospital, visit our website or call 505-727-7677.