When Claire La Roche, a practicing nurse, became pregnant with her third child, her wish was to have a vaginal birth after two prior C-sections. At 22 weeks, she began experiencing back pain, later identified as contractions, and was diagnosed with a short cervix, raising the risk of pregnancy loss and preterm labor.
Despite the diagnosis, Claire remained committed to a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC. Her doctor recommended placing a pessary device to support her cervix and prolong the pregnancy.
A colleague suggested seeking a second opinion, introducing Claire to Devita Price, APRN, associate director of labor and delivery at The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial. Price advised transferring care immediately and consulting Michael Paidas, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology.
On March 17, Claire experienced contractions every two minutes and rushed to The Women’s Hospital. She was found to be two centimeters dilated, and the obstetrics team removed her now-infected pessary to attempt to halt preterm labor.
Once stabilized, Claire and her unborn baby were moved to the antepartum unit. Price provided reassurance and comfort, helping the couple navigate the stress of a high-risk pregnancy.
Claire continued to face cervical complications while under close monitoring by Dr. Paidas’ team, including OB-GYN Alexis Svokos, MD. The team focused on maximizing the chances of a natural birth while ensuring safety for both mother and baby.
More than a week later, at 27 weeks, Claire went into labor. Dr. Paidas explained that given her history and complications, the odds of a natural birth were extremely low.
Against the challenges, Claire persevered with faith and determination, ultimately achieving a natural delivery. On March 26, she gave birth to a daughter, Liana Rose Acosta, who was born en caul, still inside the intact amniotic sac—a rare occurrence in fewer than 1 in 80,000 births.
Baby Liana Rose required immediate care in the NICU at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Born extremely premature, she faced underdeveloped lungs and other early-life challenges, necessitating oxygen therapy and close monitoring.
“Liana had several issues, mainly her underdeveloped lungs,” said neonatologist Maritza Torres, MD. She remained on oxygen for two and a half months before gaining independence in breathing and progressing toward developmental milestones.
Throughout her NICU stay, Liana’s care team provided continuous support, monitoring, and therapies. Their interventions helped her stabilize and reach the point of discharge, allowing her to finally go home to her parents and older sisters.
On June 10, Liana Rose was discharged, marking the culmination of a challenging but triumphant journey. Claire reflected on the emotional rollercoaster, expressing deep gratitude for the medical teams who guided her through the high-risk pregnancy and NICU care.
“Everyone played their part and helped me get through a scary time in my life,” Claire said. “I am so grateful to the care team, who came to our rescue and reassured us every step of the way.”
She described Liana as her “little miracle,” attributing the successful outcome to both divine protection and the expertise of the Holtz Children’s and Women’s Hospital staff. Her voice and wishes for a VBAC were heard and respected throughout the process.
The experience highlights the importance of specialized maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal care in managing extremely high-risk pregnancies. Interdisciplinary collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists, and NICU staff ensured both mother and baby received the highest quality care.
Claire’s determination, combined with medical innovation and monitoring, allowed her to achieve a natural birth despite significant complications. The rare en caul delivery represents a remarkable moment in obstetrics and neonatal care.
Baby Liana Rose’s survival and development reflect the efficacy of preterm interventions and the expertise of Holtz Children’s NICU. Continuous care and individualized treatment allowed her to thrive despite the challenges of extreme prematurity.
Claire La Roche’s story serves as an example of resilience, advocacy, and the power of maternal determination. It also underscores how patient-centered care, advanced technology, and experienced providers can transform outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.
The multidisciplinary team’s role extended beyond medical interventions, providing emotional support and reassurance to Claire and her family. This holistic approach contributed significantly to the success of both delivery and neonatal care.
From initial cervical complications to delivery and NICU recovery, Claire and Liana’s journey exemplifies hope, perseverance, and the life-saving potential of specialized maternal and neonatal care. Each milestone represents a victory for both mother and daughter.
Liana Rose’s ongoing development and health improvements highlight the critical importance of early intervention, consistent monitoring, and collaboration among care providers. Her progress is a testament to expert care and family advocacy.
Claire’s experience emphasizes that even in the face of extreme odds, natural birth is possible with dedication, planning, and a skilled care team. Her faith and determination played as vital a role as the medical interventions she received.
Liana’s survival, growth, and discharge from the NICU mark the success of high-risk obstetric planning, neonatal intensive care, and parental advocacy. The combined efforts of the Holtz Children’s and Women’s Hospital teams ensured a safe and remarkable birth.
The story of Claire and Liana Rose Acosta celebrates courage, hope, and medical expertise. It stands as an inspiration for families navigating high-risk pregnancies and underscores the transformative impact of collaborative care.