Jennifer and Steven Kis welcomed the new year with a most precious gift: baby girl, Faith Eileen Kis. Born at 7:07 a.m. on January 1 at eight pounds, three ounces, Faith was the first baby of 2023 born at the Kennedy Birthing Center at WMCHealth's St. Anthony Community Hospital. Every new baby is a miracle; however, Jennifer and Steve's joy was amplified since Jennifer had two failed pregnancies previously. Faith is considered a "rainbow baby," offering the couple hope and healing after such a difficult period.
Jennifer's doctors diagnosed her with a cervical insufficiency, which is when the cervix shortens, weakens, or opens too soon during pregnancy. This condition is so rare that it occurs in only 1-2% of pregnancies.
Based on these findings, her doctors recommended closing the cervix with strong sutures. Thanks to this procedure, Jennifer was able to deliver a full-term, healthy baby.
She was in labor for almost 48 hours in her own private room. St. Anthony Community Hospital offers the ability, for laboring moms, to remain in the same large private room, for their delivery and postpartum care. This eliminates the need to move the mom thus ensuring the comfort of the mom, significant other and newborn.
"Jennifer's experience is an excellent example of how far we've come in the field of obstetrics and gynecology," said Timothy Rydell, MD, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Anthony Community Hospital. "In the past, this condition would have precluded a woman from having a healthy baby."
Dr. Rydell also stressed how important it is to have early prenatal care so this condition can be diagnosed at the beginning of the pregnancy.
Jennifer credits the doctors and nurses at St. Anthony Community Hospital for guiding her through her labor. "Without them, it would not have been possible; the staff is amazing and treated me and my husband with such care," she said. "Labor and Delivery nurses Katlyn Conklin, RN, and Tasha Juracek, RN, stayed with me the whole night and worked with me through the contractions. And nurses Natalie Gerena, RN and Ashley Hill, RN, supported me when I fainted from losing too much blood.
"The next day, Rachel Fiore, RN, and many of the other nurses shared stories of loss and hope with me," she said. "This is something that so many women go through but don't talk about it…when Faith was born the whole hospital celebrated with us!"
This couple has known each other since high school, growing up in Monroe. They recently moved to Dingman's Ferry, PA, and look forward to celebrating the new year in their new home with their miracle baby!
For more information about Maternity Services at St. Anthony Community Hospital, visit StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org/Birthing-Center or call 845.987.5300.