Celebrating Her First Mother’s Day, Local Mom Thanks JFK University Medical Center Team Who Saved Her Life After Delivery

On Mother’s Day many Moms reflect on the happy moments when they became a mother. The excitement of having a new baby is a feeling that is indescribable. For Suniti Patel, from Iselin, NJ this was exactly what she was feeling when she arrived at Labor and Delivery at JFK University Medical Center on July 26, 2021 for an induction of labor due to her being past her due date. Little did she know her seemingly routine delivery would become a harrowing and life-threatening situation for her. 

A little over eight months ago, Suniti’s nurse, Darlene Abbruzzese, ADN, RNC-OB explained her plan of care and showed her to her room at JFK University Medical Center. Her obstetrician, Ji Soo Han, M.D. arrived at the bedside to start the process of induction to prepare for her new baby. As time passed throughout the day, Suniti was starting to feel contractions and was eventually in active labor where she requested an epidural. Everything up until that point showed no signs of anything abnormal. 

Once she was comfortable and positioned to rest and continue her labor, her night nurse, Daniela Pizzolla, BSN, RN took over for the night shift. During that shift change, slight changes were noted in her vital signs and it was discussed with Dr. Han. Daniela and Elizabeth Walker, ANM, BSN, RN communicated her vital signs and some changes that were noted in her bloodwork. 

But as labor progressed, Suniti started to push and soon after delivered a healthy baby boy named Rishi. He weighed eight pounds and measured 22 inches at birth.

The immediate joy turned to fear as Suniti’s vital signs were showing distress.  Thinking on their toes, the Labor and Delivery team concluded the patient may have a possible amniotic fluid embolism. Immediately, anesthesiologist Michael Armao, M.D., a member of the 24/7 anesthesia team was there and the team quickly started to prepare as Suniti was taking a turn for the worse.

“Her induction and labor seemed routine, but Labor and Delivery is a specialty where things can change quickly. In Suniti’s case, we were ready to work together and save her life,” said Daniela Pizzolla, BSN, RN.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is an extremely rare, but life-threatening complication that affects pregnant women shortly before, during, or immediately following labor and childbirth. In Suniti’s case, it occurred directly after birth. Most instances occur during or after labor when a pregnant woman has a severe, allergic reaction to amniotic fluid or other fetal material such as fetal cells, which enter the mother’s bloodstream. Amniotic fluid embolism is unpredictable and there are no risk factors to indicate that this will occur. AFE can cause a severe, rapid decline in the mother’s health and in most cases death.  

The JFK nurses, anesthesiologist Dr. Armao, and her obstetrician, Dr. Han called a rapid response and started a massive transfusion protocol in order to save Suniti’s life. The rapid response team soon arrived on the unit to assist in the emergency. 

“The beauty of healthcare is that in an emergency, everyone comes together to use their knowledge to save lives. In this particular situation, we were extremely lucky to put our skills to use and save Suniti. As all Moms, Suniti’s strength and determination was phenomenal,” said Elizabeth Walker, ANM, BSN, RN. 

Every nurse had a role, hanging blood, documenting times of blood transfusion and medication, handing the doctor instruments, and comforting her husband, Ronak.

After a lengthy stay in the ICU while heavily sedated, Suniti suffered from kidney failure, and was on a respirator and feeding tube for about a week and a half. She was finally able to hold her newborn on August 12th, after being discharged.

“I am so thankful for the entire team coming together to save my life. They are the reason I am able to celebrate my first Mother’s Day and see my beautiful son grow up,” said Suniti. 

“As nurses, certain patients and experiences do not leave us, and her experience never will. We saved a life that day. This is why we honor her on her first Mother’s day that she gets to celebrate with her beautiful little family.” said Nancy Solan, director, Labor and Delivery, JFK University Medical Center.