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An Obstetrical Analysis of “The Christmas Miracle”
Dr Onyeije
By Nicholas Fogelson, M.D. and Chukwuma Onyeije, M.D.
Early reports described the story of Tracy Hermanstorfer as a “Christmas Miracle”. It has also been described as inspiring, heartwarming, and “wonderfully appropriate for the season.” Others have referred to her saga as a nightmare with a happy ending.
On Christmas Eve 2009, Ms. Hermanstorfer was admitted to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Spring, Colorado after her water broke. Ms. Hermanstorfer suffered a cardiac arrest during labor with her child Colton. After immediate resuscitative efforts failed, nearby Maternal Fetal Medicine physician (Dr Stephanie Martin) performed an emergency cesarean section. In the minutes following the delivery, Ms Hermanstorfer regained circulation and breathing, and is now doing well. Her infant also went on to survive and is apparently well.
Academic OB/GYN 