Chester’s Birth Story

On 12/26, Caroline was having some unusual pregnancy symptoms. After calling the nurse hotline, Roy and Caroline went to the hospital for a check-up on December 27. At the time, the tests came back negative for infection/ premature labor, and Caroline was sent home. The next day, Caroline called the nurse hotline again with what we now know were painful contractions, but were advised that they were likely cramps and to take Ibuprofen and watch for developing symptoms. On 12/29, Caroline had a regular OBGYN check in scheduled. Based on how the weekend had been, the doctor did a full exam and found Caroline was dilated to ~ 6 cm. Caroline was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. On the way there and upon arrival, many medications were administered to slow things down and protect the baby. After new tests were performed, the doctors found that Caroline had an infection in her uterus and had to deliver that day for both the mother’s and the baby’s best interest. During this time, Beth and Andy (Caroline’s parents) were able to drive to the hospital to be there to support her. Caroline was then given an epidural, and within a few hours (to let the epidural kick in etc.), the doctors broke her water. While waiting, the parents only watched half of the Princess Bride. Within 30 minutes of her water being broken, Roy Chester Redman V (Chester for short) was born at 5:15 pm at 1 lb 14 oz. He was given a 7 out of 10 on the Apgar scale. Caroline was able to hold him for 1 minute while Roy cut the umbilical cord. Then, a team of NICU doctors took over to stabilize Chester. He was intubated and placed in an incubator once stabilized. Caroline got to hold Chester again briefly before he and Roy went over to the NICU. In the NICU, Chester has a nurse who watches him and 1 other baby 24/7. He is monitored for his heart rate, blood oxygen, and breathing rate constantly. A doctor is always on the floor and avaliable for questions.