A Woman In Florida was forced to deliver her own baby through Hurricane Irma
Watching all of the news and weather alerts over the weekend, I was quite surprised to learn that the high-pressure system associated with a hurricane may have an effect on pregnant woman – in that it can bring on labor!
How interesting. And this is exactly what happened to a woman on Saturday in the midst of Hurricane Irma.
A newborn in Miami will certainly have a life long story to tell about the day that she was born in the midst of Hurricane Irma!
A photo of newborn “baby Nayiri Storm” is now trending on social media after it was posted by the Miami-Dade Police Department on Saturday. The baby’s mother went into labor just a few hours before the category 4 storm threatened the area with 130 mph winds and 12-18 inch rainfall.
“Welcome to the world baby Nayiri Storm!” the police department captioned the photo as they prepared to transport mother and child from a local hospital to a hotel. “Glad our officers were able to assist the family safely from hospital to hotel. #PerfectName.”
Hurricane Irma was originally expected to hit the city of Miami head-on, however its course changed, largely sparing the area the worst of the storm. However, wind gusts became quite extreme overnight and Miami’s rescue crews were told to use their best judgment when deciding whether to respond to emergency calls.
Welcome to the world baby Nayiri Storm! Glad our officers were able to assist the family safely from hospital to hotel. #PerfectName pic.twitter.com/Cun2wKmwQ2
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) September 9, 2017
With paramedics unable to go out into the storm, a dispatcher had to talk the woman through delivering her baby at home, according to Assistant Fire Chief Eloy Garcia.Mom and baby girl were taken to the hospital by emergency workers.
The Mother and baby girl were taken to the hospital by emergency workers.
“We weren’t able to respond. So she delivered the placenta, also. Dispatch told her how to tie it off. She’s stable at home,” Garcia said. “We made contact with the assistant medical director here. Talked things through.”
Pete Gomez, Miami’s emergency management director, said conditions remain dangerous, so replacement crews will not be coming in until the weather improves.
“We’ve got to follow our protocol,” he said.
Helpful Tips For Parents On weathering A Devastating Storm
Every family should have a plan of action for natural disasters and it should include points that the whole family needs to know before, during and after a storm.
The entire family can get involved in hurricane preparations. On the internet, you will find downloadable lists of what you need in a hurricane preparation kit which, include water, flashlights, batteries, medication, pet food and more. Make sure to include a cell phone charger, especially if you have a solar-powered model.
Hurricane preparation: Things you need to buy at the grocery store
Families who have little babies should have formula on hand that does not require refrigeration, as well as sterile water to allow for mixing and extra disposable bottles, because sterilizing bottles will be difficult if water and power supplies are disrupted.
You should stock up on diapers and baby wipes as well; supplies won’t be easy to replenish if power outages keep stores closed during and after the storm.
If you have a stockpile of frozen breastmilk, remember that it has to be used within 24 hours if it thaws, and it should not be re-frozen so consider getting a generator to keep your pumped milk supply safely frozen after the storm.
Have a plan to keep your pets safe
Don’t forget to include the things your pets will need when the power goes out.
News coverage of the disaster can be scary as images of flying debris and flood waters play continuously across TV screens, so try to interest the kids in storm tracking instead.Tracking maps can also be downloaded online from several sites, including the National Hurricane Center and Publix.
Educational opportunities are available online, where children can research the differences between tropical storms and hurricanes, the categories of storms, the science of forecasting, hurricane hunters and more.
However, online diversions only last as long as the power does. Remember to stock up on kid-friendly entertainment, such as coloring books, cards, board games, modeling clay, bubbles, books and more, especially if your family is riding out the storm outside the home.
Take shelter
As Hurricane Irma nears, counties will need to open hurricane shelters for residents, including sites that will accommodate for special needs and pets. Check your county’s website for shelter locations and registration information.
Extra care for pregnant women
Moms-to-be who are 38 or more weeks pregnant or who have high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctors about riding out the storm at the hospital, because the drop in pressure before a storm often kick-starts labor.
Many hospitals require pre-registration and a physician’s orders, so do make arrangements if you fall into an at-risk category.
Preparation and caution are vital during the next couple of days so please heed all warnings and emergency orders, and keep your family safe!
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