A very special delivery just in time for Christmas on The Murfreesboro Post

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A very special delivery just in time for Christmas

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By: Dr. Mark Kestner

A very special delivery just in time for Christmas

Eliana Kestner

As every expectant parent knows, making the right choices for your child begins before birth. This past year I was expecting my first child whose birth was due on Christmas.

Our obstetrician, Dr. Jim Boerner, had been selected as a result of friendship and the fact that he has at least three decades experience. I have known Dr. Boerner for years and always found him to be a genuinely caring individual. When my wife, Ginny, initially visited with Dr. Boerner her response was immediate confidence and trust. Although she had begun her care with another doctor, she realized that she wanted Dr. Boerner to deliver our baby.

For labor and delivery we chose Middle Tennessee Medical Center and made an appointment prior to our actual delivery date, so we would know what to expect. Janet McIntosh administers this area of the hospital and is obviously a skilled, caring and capable manager. She took the time to personally show us around and introduce us to Jocelyn Wires, the nurse manager, and everyone else that would be caring for Ginny and our baby. One thing that stood out during our tour was the enthusiasm and warmth of Janet, Jocelyn and the entire nursing staff. Everywhere we turned there was a genuine smile to greet us.

The morning of our arrival for the delivery we were introduced to our labor nurse, Lisa Beverley. If our entire experience at MTMC had a face, it would be that of Nurse Lisa. Although we received exceptional care from every single person that we encountered during our stay, the care Ginny received from Nurse Lisa was simply amazing. Lisa exemplifies a perfect blend of passion for her profession, compassion for her patients, and obvious competence gained from years of experience. She anticipated every moment and orchestrated events to not only keep Ginny as comfortable as possible but also to ensure the safety of our baby.

For the most part the pregnancy had been fairly uneventful and the labor was proceeding smoothly. At one point however, the pace of labor quickened significantly and the baby was showing signs of distress. Dr. Boerner was on his way, but the baby had decided that she was ready, whether we were or not! Nurse Lisa quickly took control and began procedures to enable Ginny to keep pace with the accelerated labor. I was aware that Ginny and I were in the hands of a seasoned professional who simply would not allow our baby to get into trouble. Lisa expertly maneuvered mother and baby as the final pushes of labor began.

When Dr. Boerner arrived, he stepped into the room and gowned to prepare for the delivery. With skilled hands he deftly eased my daughter through the remainder of the birth canal and released the pressure of the umbilical cord from around her neck and shoulder. A tiny head covered with thick dark hair emerged and seconds later was being held aloft… what a beautiful sight!

Although I had expected our precious baby to be immediately whisked away to be cleaned, weighed, measured and otherwise inspected, to my surprise we were allowed to hold her for quite a while. I can’t begin to estimate how long. Time stopped the moment I saw her face.

Although her life began nine months earlier, Eliana (“Ellie-ahna”) Kestner was delivered at 12:36 pm just a few days before Christmas. Her weight was recorded at seven pounds and two ounces and she stretched out to nineteen and one-half inches long. It was obvious that God had practiced on a few billion other babies previously, because he created this one with absolute perfection.

I pray that there will be many angels that watch over my precious daughter during her life, but none will ever be as special as the angel that cared for her and her mother during the labor and delivery, Nurse Lisa Beverly.

In the coming weeks I will share some more interesting things I learned about MTMC. I think you will be proud of the people that administer this exceptional hospital as well as the hundreds of caregivers that routinely go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Until then, enjoy every day of this miracle we call life!

Dr. Mark Kestner
mkestner@DrKestner.com

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By: jesse818 on 1/7/08
What a wonderful tribute, and well deserved, to the nursing profession. And she does seem to be a perfect baby - just as my (nearly three) granddaughters are! Congratulations!

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