Air Force Doctors Give Baby Second Chance

Most people are aware of numerous situations in which the Air Force has helped civilians in times of war, but many don't know about the ways Airmen help civilians on a day-to-day basis.

Mindy Goldstick was having a relatively smooth pregnancy while living in Clovis,
New Mexico, near Cannon Air Force Base. Then, about 24 weeks into her pregnancy, a routine ultrasound revealed an abnormal amount of fluid collected in her baby's chest cavity. This dangerous situation caused the baby's lungs and heart rhythm to be compromised. After an amniocentesis and multiple tests were performed, the baby was diagnosed with a condition known as chylothorax and referred to the nearby Air Force hospital. The procedure that would hopefully save the baby's life would require a surgeon to drain fluid from the baby's lungs while still inside the mother's womb.

Mindy was put under light anesthesia, and the baby was given a paralyzing agent so it would remain still during the surgery. The surgeon then made an incision in Mindy's abdomen, and inserted a needle to remove 10 ounces of fluid from the unborn child's lungs. After the surgery was complete, mom and baby seemed fine and were kept in the hospital for a few days to be monitored.

Only ten weeks later, Mindy went into premature labor at the Air Force Intensive Care Nursery. Doctors performed an emergency delivery and ventilated the baby's still under-developed lungs.

Thanks to the Air Force doctors and the hospital staff's prompt professional attention, Mindy and baby Rosalyn survived the ordeal and are healthy and happy today.

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