Tiffany Krupsky didn’t have a textbook pregnancy or delivery. From bedrest and stress tests to pre-term labor and a C-section, there were many twists and turns on the way to her baby’s arrival. And though she didn’t always know what to expect while she was expecting, she knew she could count on UPMC to provide excellent care for her and her baby.
“My pregnancy wasn’t the easiest, I had many trips to The Birthplace for testing, and then I went into pre-term labor and had to have a C-section. But everybody there was just absolutely wonderful every single time,” says Tiffany.
After Tiffany was in labor for hours, her doctor, Angela Huggler, MD, FACOG, ordered a C-section as a precaution. Tiffany’s baby was presented posterior, with his head facing her abdomen, and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.
“I know that after many hours of labor, it’s disheartening to have to move to a C-section,” says Dr. Huggler. “But in situations like this, they may become necessary.”
Any disappointment faded for Tiffany when she welcomed her baby, John — also known as Baby J — into her arms.
“He had been crying from the moment he arrived, and then they placed him on my chest, and we looked at each other, and I just thought, ‘thank God you are here,’” she says. “He’s everything to me, I can’t imagine my life without him, and I can’t imagine what my life was like before him.”
Dr. Huggler was confident in changing the direction of John’s delivery to a surgical procedure because of the faith she had in her team at UPMC. In fact, she has had all three of her babies at The Birthplace, too.
“Most of us [OB/GYN team] have our babies here. There are midwives, OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners—so many experts available,” says Dr. Huggler.
When John rapidly lost 12 percent of his weight shortly after being born, pediatric professionals, including Qasim Mahmood, MD; Shelly Connor, CRNP, and others intervened quickly to adjust his nutritional intake and get his weight back on track.
“That three day hospital stay gave me time to ask more questions. And all of them were answered,” says Tiffany. “It was just a terrific group of doctors, nurses and staff.”
In addition to exceptional medical care, support with lactation, and education on newborn care, The Birthplace provides a nurturing environment where families welcome their newest member. Moms are encouraged to enjoy a celebration meal with their families so siblings can be involved from early on. On demand movies are also available along with pampering self-care gifts.
As a fitness enthusiast, who enjoys working out, walking, boating and fishing, Tiffany is pleased about her easy recovery and that the incision from her unplanned surgery has healed so well.
“My incision looks amazing,” she says. “Dr. Huggler was great. I have to say, I had a wonderful hospital experience, and I had the best team possible.”
Dr. Huggler credits Tiffany’s preparation with contributing to her great outcome in spite of some medical challenges.
She says, “She took care of herself and her baby by eating right and exercising to stay in shape. It’s wonderful helping a happy, healthy mom bring a happy, healthy baby into the world.”
