Rutherford Regional

Father Supports Wife In Labor At Rutherford Regional Via Skype
 

It’s not unusual for doctors and nurses in The Birth Place at Rutherford Regional Medical Center to answer the questions of parents waiting for their new babies to be born.
   But it is unique to answer those questions from a father who was present during labor from halfway around the world.
   Blake Upton, a Marine stationed in Afghanistan, was able to support his wife, Natalie, during labor recently through Skype, a voice over Internet Protocol, using RRMC’s guest WiFi connection.
   Blake was at base camp when Natalie’s water broke, where he would have access to computer and phone. Blake’s mother, Myra Upton, used Facebook to contact Blake’s friend who is stationed with him. She also contacted the American Red Cross, who arranged for Blake to be available to talk with Natalie.
   “He suggested Skype,” Myra said.
   While Natalie got an epidural, Myra waited in the waiting room and set up a Skype account.
   “By the time I got back to her room, we had it going,” Myra said.
   Nurses and the obstetrician attending Natalie took time to speak with Blake as well, asking if he had any questions.
   “He was able to Skype with us until 3 p.m. our time,” Myra said. “One hour after that he went out into the unknown.”
   At 8:44 p.m. Jan. 17, Blake and Natalie’s son, Garrett Keith Upton arrived, one week before his due date.
   “If it had been even a day later he wouldn’t have gotten to Skype with me like he did,” Natalie said. “I just thank God that this happened. It seemed like a miracle from God – it all fell into place like it should have.”
   Natalie is grateful to the staff at Rutherford Regional who worked with the family on making it possible for Blake to be there.
   “I needed him there, and that was the best way that he could be there for me,” she said.
   Blake left for his second tour in Afghanistan Jan. 7. He will be gone seven months.
   “It was more than we thought he’d get,” Myra added.
Named for his late grandfather Keith Upton, Garrett was also welcomed by grandparents Sharon and Terry Dulaney.
 Article and photos furnished by: Allison Flynn,
Marketing Assistant Rutherford Regional Health System