Going through labor and delivery only to wind up losing your baby at the end has got to be one of the most devastating experiences a mother can go through, as an English woman named Sara Proud knows all too well.
Sara went into labor and was taken to the hospital by her partner, Steven Yorke, but when they arrived, they were told to move into a waiting room instead of her being admitted into the hospital. They stayed in that room for 80 minutes, when Sara's labor progressed, and Yorke realized she needed help immediately. He went to find someone to assist, and while he was searching, Sara delivered a baby boy right there in the waiting room.
The poor baby was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and eventually two midwives did take him away to try and bring him back to life. Sadly, they were unable to revive him, and he passed away -- all while his poor mother was still in the waiting room -- delivering her own placenta.
Oh. My. GOD. When I picture this poor woman lying (probably on the floor) of a HOSPITAL waiting room wondering why in the hell no one helped her, I just want to break down and cry. She must have been so scared for the health and safety of her baby -- and then to have to deliver her placenta all by herself? I can't even imagine.
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But the worst part of this story is the fact that Sara had no idea that baby Kyle had died until Steven told her the news. According to him, she's been unable to leave the house since coming home from the hospital, and both of them are absolutely heartbroken.
The couple has ordered an autopsy on baby Kyle to see whether or not getting proper medical attention would've given them what they expected when they checked into that hospital -- a happy and healthy baby boy. That's really all any parent wants -- and it's definitely what Sara and Steven deserved. My heart goes out to them -- and I only hope they can find some peace in the future.
What words of sympathy would you offer to this poor couple?
Image via slightly everything/Flickr
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Comments 239
This is absolutely horrendous. My heart goes out to their family... And yes - Just ONE more reason Obamacare is NOT for America. Not what we need, not now, not ever...
I am so so sorry for this couple and their tragic loss. I can't imagine the pain they are going through.
This has absolutely nothing to do with socialized medical care. I've heard countless stories of people in the United States receiving terrible care at hospitals and dying because of it. I read about one girl who fell out of a tree and was rushed to the e.r. It was Christmas and the staff was enjoying their holiday party. The staff kept telling her to wait as her parents begged for attention. They didn't think she was badly injured but, if they'd looked at her right away instead of putting her off, they would have seen that she was bleeding internally. She died. Right here in the good ole US of A with our healthcare that most people can't afford.
My heart breaks for the couple int his story. That never should have happened. I can only imagine how much pain they're in. They will be in my prayers.
I don't know if you're allowed to sue in countries with socialized medicine. If it's similar to here, you cannot sue a governmental entity. But the laws are intricate, perhaps someone with more knowledge on the subject will comment.
Regardless, my heart goes to this family. This never should have happened, socialized medicine or not.
I'm sorry this family lost their baby. I don't think it was because of the way their health system is run over there but more because the nurses that staff that hospital failed in taking care of a person like they should have.
My guess is that the lack of care IS because of socialized medicine. There are numerous reports of women in England giving birth in the car, elevator, waiting room, etc, because the hospital is full and they have no more rooms. It happens often, that women are turned away because they simply don't have room. THAT is a result of socialized medicine.
Medical costs are sky high here in the States, but hospitals are constantly building bigger and better facilities with that 'extra' money. You don't typically run out of rooms or help in a US hospital. Sure, people die in the states because of lack of care - and then you can sue, you can fight, people get fired and get their licenses taken away. But when it is because there is no one to help or no room for you - who are they going to hold responsible? The government won't take responsibility, I am sure.
The U.S has one of the highest infant mortality rates of the industrialized nations and our maternal mortality rates are on the rise. If you think this isn't happening in the U.S, think again.
I had my first son in the UK (in a delivery room) and had excellent care - even got to stay until I was ready to go home. I had my second son in the US - care was again excellent but no better than the UK. It all depends on the facility and the staff. There's good and bad everywhere.
This is a tragic story - one that shouldn't have happened. My heart breaks for the family, but it was due to terrible negligence, not socialized medicine.
There aren't any words that can really soothe someone with this type of grief. How very sad. Where did this happen? I cannot believe that she was sent to a waiting room with her labor so far progressed.
I am so sorry that this happened to someone anywhere.