"Couple Weds in Maternity Ward Moments Before Baby’s Miracle Birth"
Shantel and Jamison Espaillat, wed in a hallway at The Mount Sinai Hospital after they received news that their baby boy was coming unexpectedly early. Doctors told Shantel that she had a uterine infection that could lead to a premature membrane rupture. Although she was only 29 weeks pregnant, Shantel needed to deliver the baby immediately. “I was scared. Everything was happening so fast,” said Shantel. “They were shocked to hear the decision to deliver, but they kept saying how important it was to them to be married before the baby was born,” said Luciana Vieira, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Rev. Amy Strano, BCC, director of pastoral services at The Mount Sinai Hospital, was ready, and said, “We’re going to make this work — we’re going to make it beautiful.” Annemarie Stroustrup-Smith, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science and environmental medicine and public health said, “The baby miraculously shows no signs of infection.”
— Annemarie Stroustrup-Smith, MD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
—Luciana Vieira, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
— Amy F. Strano, BCC, Director, Pastoral Services, The Mount Sinai Hospital