Patient Stories
Sutter Women's Services
Kate - Luck of the Irish
For Kate and her husband, the luck of the Irish is more than just a phrase. Their first child, Jane, was born on March 17, 2008., weighing 8 lbs., 8 oz at Sutter Memorial Hospital. “We were excited when we figured out that being induced on Sunday would mean the baby would probably be born on St. Patrick’s Day,” remembered Kate. “We’re Irish, so that was pretty cool.”
After Jane’s March 9 due date came and went, the couple’s doctor, Stephen Hiuga, M.D., decided to induce Kate if labor didn’t begin naturally before March 16. Kate had no complications, but the baby’s size could create problems if she was not born soon. “I had a great pregnancy,” said Kate. “It was relatively easy. I didn’t even have any morning sickness. I was really hoping our luck would hold through the labor.”
When the couple arrived for the induction, they had no idea what to expect. “We were first-time parents — we had no idea what to do,” laughed Kate, “The nurses really built up our confidence, so we didn‘t feel like we were stumbling.”
After a relatively smooth 14 hours, Jane came into the world at 11 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day morning. “It wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d built it up in my head,” said Kate. “The baby’s heart rate dropped a couple of times, and the nurses handled it so well. I tend to be a worrier, but they had everything under control.”
Throughout her pregnancy, Kate was impressed with the care she received and was especially grateful to have found Dr. Hiuga. “When I learned I was pregnant I didn’t even have an Ob Gyn,” said Kate. “My primary care physician recommended Dr. Hiuga—and he was fantastic.”
Dr. Hiuga’s attentiveness was especially meaningful during a very painful event that occurred just 13 weeks into her pregnancy when Kate’s father passed away from leukemia. Throughout that time, Kate was grateful for how well cared for she felt. “My father knew I was pregnant and felt, as we all did, that the fact we had a new life coming in at this time was a little miracle. And Dr. Huiga and his nurses were so good to us. They kept checking in on me and my husband to make sure we were okay,” said Kate. “I just feel so lucky that we had such great care all around.”
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