Dad sees birth live with video
PITTSBURGH — It was a routine procedure for doctors who delivered Tracy St. Clair's first child last week at UPMC Mercy Hospital.
The environment surrounding the procedure was anything but normal, however, as Tracy's husband Randy watched the birth live from halfway across the world in Iraq.
He watched his son's birth on Jan. 30 through a monitor set up by the Freedom Calls Foundation, a nonprofit organization that uses technology to keep troops in touch with their families.
It was an experience neither Mom nor Dad will soon forget.
"He started to cry when he saw his son," St. Clair said. "It was a very emotional moment and it was hard for me because I saw him cry."
The St. Clairs, of Connoquenessing Township, found out Tracy was pregnant only weeks before Randy deployed to Iraq. Married for 10 years and trying to have children for eight, the couple knew it would be difficult to be apart during the pregnancy.
Tracy knew it would be especially hard for Randy, serving as a paramedic in Al Kasik, Iraq, in the Army reserves. But she also would need his comfort and support. That's why she did everything she could to make sure the baby's father witnessed the birth.
Tracy said her husband probably had a better view of the birth than she did because of the shield doctors constructed to block her view of their son's Cesarean-section delivery.
Named Connor William, he was born at 2:18 p.m.
The video monitor was set up behind Tracy's left shoulder, allowing her to turn her head slightly to have full communication with her husband.
"It was wonderful just knowing he was right there," she said. "It was great that we could talk and carry on a conversation. I can't even imagine not having him there because it definitely helped calm me down."
Paula Andrews, a registered nurse and director of the family maternal unit at UPMC Mercy, said the staff already was familiar with the video conference birth because they did a similar one last summer.
"The father can still participate and see his newborn arrive. To see the tears flow and watch the father hear his son's first cry, it is very touching," she said.
Tracy learned about the free service offered by the Freedom Calls Foundation early in January.
Everything worked out perfectly, she said, in the timing and logistics of the event because scores of people worked behind the scenes to make it happen.
Tracy admitted she entered a completely new phase of her life with the birth of her son, a phase she'll have to navigate at least temporarily without her husband's guidance. She's not sure when he's coming home but plans a grandiose celebration upon his return.
For now, however, she has time to acquaint herself with motherhood and with her new baby. It's an experience the baby won't remember but will have reminders of when he's older.
"It's all going in his baby book, that's for sure," she said. "It's been an emotional roller coaster for Mom and Dad both. He's (the baby) already got a lifetime of stories to tell."be
