Kerala nurse brings infant declared stillborn back to life
Acting instantly, she began CPR and gently tapped the baby’s feet to stimulate crying and breathing.
Acting instantly, she began CPR and gently tapped the baby’s feet to stimulate crying and breathing.
Acting instantly, she began CPR and gently tapped the baby’s feet to stimulate crying and breathing.
Thirur: A newborn, declared lifeless even before birth by doctors, was given a second chance at life thanks to the sharp eyes and tireless care of a nurse. What began as a tragedy transformed into a moment of pure joy as an entire hospital system worked relentlessly to revive the baby, turning the days before Onam into a celebration of hope. The little angel who clung back to life through the hands of nurse Geetha now lies safe and content beside her mother.
The Thalakkadathoor Al Noor Hospital in Thirur, Malappuram, witnessed this remarkable ‘rebirth’. The expectant mother, who had been under treatment at another hospital, was admitted here on Wednesday with profuse bleeding. After her last scan, doctors had informed the family that the baby could not be saved and advised her to remain at home until delivery. But when complications arose, she was rushed to Al Noor, as the earlier hospital was too far away.
The baby was in breech position, with her legs likely to emerge first, and the umbilical cord was found wrapped around her neck. Still, a team led by gynaecologist Dr Alisha Shajahan and paediatrician Dr Favas managed to ensure a normal delivery for her. When the baby emerged, her body was entirely blue. As the diagnosis had already ruled her stillborn, she was handed over, wrapped in cloth, to a nurse to be taken to the family.
But senior nurse K M Geetha noticed a faint pulse in the umbilical cord. Acting instantly, she began CPR and gently tapped the baby’s feet to stimulate crying and breathing. After repeated attempts, the baby gasped and began to breathe. Alerted by Geetha, the doctors rushed in and joined the effort. For the next one and a half hours, they worked together to stabilise the newborn, finally bringing her back to life.
The baby was born to a couple from Thirur. K T Ansar, manager of Al Noor Hospital, said the child has now been referred to Kozhikode Medical College for further care.