Shortly after being born at Bellevue Medical Center, Joshua Guenther made his on screen debut to an anxious crowd of family and friends.
Just days earlier the Guenther’s were awaiting approval of the hospital as an in-network provider for the military’s TRICARE insurance program. Joshua’s mother Denice had scheduled the delivery as a Cesarean Section hoping the approval would come in time. Joshua’s father Ben, who is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, said “once we found out they were approved we knew we were having him there”.
During a recent tour of the facility the Guenther’s learned about a unique service the hospital offers. Bellevue Medical Center has the ability to broadcast the new born care of scheduled c-section deliveries via closed circuit television. “This really is unique to the region,” says Kris Wheeler, Manager of Maternity Services. “As far as we know we are the only hospital offering this service in the metro area.”
On July 9, Joshua’s big brother Ryan, Denice’s sister and brother, and several others gathered in one of the hospital’s conference rooms and awaited the delivery. After Joshua was born, the crowd watched as nurses weighed, measured and took the baby’s vitals before presenting him to his parents. “They couldn’t stop talking about it, they were just amazed that they were able to be part of the experience” said Denice.
The video feed provided a way for the Guenthers to share the moment with their loved ones but it was also a way for them to watch what was happening immediately after their son was born. While the physician completed the surgery, monitors were placed on either side of the new parents in the operating room, so they could watch the nurses care for Joshua. “It was fun to watch, they kept focusing the camera on his weight because he’s such a big guy,” said Denice.
The Guenthers say the entire experience; the care, the staff and the room all were great. “Overall, everything was excellent; this was just a big added bonus,” said Ben. Ryan agreed with a smile.
