WI mother who gave birth to a safe newborn coma after hitting COVID
A Poynette mother who had a miraculous recovery from COVID-19, giving birth during the coma, was able to hold her newborn daughter for the first time.
MADISON, Wis. – A Poynette mother who had a miraculous recovery from COVID-19, giving birth during the coma, was able to hold her newborn daughter for the first time on January 27.
A press release from UW Health officials said Kelsey Townsend was nine months pregnant in October when she was diagnosed with COVID-19.
She gave birth on November 4, while in an induced coma.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster for sure – so many ups and downs,” said Derek Townsend, Kelsey’s husband.
UW Health officials said Townsend’s condition “deteriorated rapidly” and she ended up spending 75 days on life support devices (an ECMO machine and a fan).
In December, doctors determined that she would need a double lung transplant to survive, and UW Health officials said, “Her husband broke the news to her on Christmas Eve.”
“Telling her that she is so sick, she won’t be coming home without it … it was difficult,” said Derek Townsend.
However, days later, her condition improved “significantly” and she was removed from the ICU.
In mid-January, Townsend was removed from the ventilator – and soon removed from the transplant waiting list.
“We don’t know exactly what allowed his lungs to begin to recover after almost two months of serious illness,” said Dr. Dan McCarthy, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UW Health and director of the ECMO program.
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On January 27, Townsend left the hospital, reuniting with her husband and four children, including Lucy, the girl she never met.
“They did an absolutely incredible job,” said Derek Townsend.
When she was released from the hospital, Derek Townsend said, “I am more nervous than on our wedding day or our first date, or the birth of our first child.”
At home, Kelsey Townsend uses a minimal amount of oxygen support and will also need physical therapy.