A Good Kind of Cry
It’s a happy ending, I promise:
The umbilical cord was snaked around the baby’s neck, tightly. Think a turtleneck with five circles. The baby’s eyes were shut and I saw no sign of breathing. As far as I knew, no sign of life.
So as the operator went on reading the standard directions: "Wrap the baby in a clean cloth or towel… tie a shoelace tightly around the umbilical cord…" I stopped following her. I focused on the neck. Didn’t even look down to see what gender the baby was.
"Oh my God, the baby’s not breathing," I said. "Breathe baby, breathe."
You can read “Breathe, baby, breathe!” at CNN.
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
Wow! Thanks for sharing.
Eek!
Whew! I should have had coffee first.
I sent you a message yesterday.When you were born your tube was tied around your neck.Back then they had to cut you 8 inches but I did not care.I said save my baby. I was there by my self.All i cared about was you. Three mouths early 3lbs.6oz But fought and you won I look at my scar every day and think of you and always will.Love you kim
What a great story – it’s inspirational and reassuring to hear how people survive crises like this. And I laughed out loud at “And don’t think I won’t hold this over his head when we go through his rebellious teen phase.”
Thanks for sharing! 
Wow…too much!
Natasha, thanks for posting! What a story–amazing, informative, wonderful. And with adorable Dr. Sanjay Gupta as a bonus! Thank you!