U.S. Army Doctor Delivers Iraqi Election-Day Baby

Defend America News ^ | Dec 28, 2005 | Spc. Rick Rzepka

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Doctor Delivers Iraqi Election-Day Baby

Iraqi army soldiers helped transport an Iraqi mother, experiencing delivery complications,
to a combat support hospital where she gave birth to a baby girl on Iraq's election day.

By U.S. Army Spc. Rick Rzepka
Scimitar Assistant Editor

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 28, 2005 — During the early morning hours of parliamentary elections on Dec. 15, a birth took place at the 10th Combat Support Hospital here.

"A beautiful baby like that can give us hope for the future in this troubled land."

U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) Brian Crisp

On the outskirts of Habbaniyah, near Fallujah and 50 miles west of Baghdad, an expectant 38-year-old mother knew she needed help. Her water had just broke and election curfew restrictions were near, forcing her to make a tough decision. She knew her midwife could only provide limited care and that if she and her baby were to survive, she would need a miracle.

"Did I save the mother and baby's lives ... maybe," said U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) Brian Crisp, who is the chief obstetrician/gynelcologist at the hospital.

"The bottom line is that you would not electively deliver a breached baby out there," he said.

Crisp, who has delivered more than a thousand babies during his career, said the mother was breached with an abnormal presentation, meaning that the baby was coming out with her bottom down.

"She was the first democratic baby in Iraq and he saved her," said Capt. (Dr.) Ron White, M.D, an anesthesiologist at the 10th Combat Support Hospital.

The mother came under Crisp's and the hospital staff's care through some quick decisions made by the Iraqi army soldiers, who were contacted by the mother's mid-wife.

U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) Brian Crisp, 10th Combat Support Hospital, holds Tamarra. Crisp delivered the child on Dec. 15, 2005, the day of Iraqi Parliamentary elections. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mark Heard

The Iraqi soldiers shuttled her to a nearby forward operating base, where she was flown into Baghdad.

"It's a sign," said the baby's grandmother on the child's being born on the day of the election. The baby, whose name is Tamarra, will grow up in a safer and more secure Iraq now, she said. "I just want peace on Earth."

"This is a very cool thing," said Crisp. "It's a nice change to be bringing life into the world. She's the most spoiled baby in Baghdad right now; all the nurses are clamoring over her."

Only two babies have been delivered at the Combat Support Hospital, and they were both born on Iraqi election days, symbolizing a new era in Iraqi governance.

"A beautiful baby like that can give us hope for the future in this troubled land," said Crisp.

[SandRat]

Well,.....? Pass out the Cigars and Candy!

[trimom]

I didn't read the part of the story that included American soldiers terrorizing the children .... Was there something left out?

[ExcursionGuy84]

The baby, whose name is Tamarra, will grow up in a safer and more secure Iraq now

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, All Massachussetts Senators!!!

This Means YOU, "Teddy" and YOU "Flipper-Flopper"!

[Marine_Uncle]

It is always nice to read these type stories. Sure beats the drugery of all the world's ills.

[BnBlFlag]

When I was in the "crotch", I don't remember the need for Gynos in forward combat areas.

[McGavin999]

Whenever there is something really out of the ordinary, they take people to the Americans. Lucky that this field surgeon was a GYN in another life.

[Calpernia]

U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) Brian Crisp, 10th Combat Support Hospital, holds Tamarra. Crisp delivered the child on Dec. 15, 2005, the day of Iraqi Parliamentary elections. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mark Heard

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!