Experts have advised parents time and time again of the importance of knowing CPR, and the following report on one mother’s experience with her newborn has solidified the point.
Dana Welch has been credited with saving her infant daughter’s life after performing CPR she had learned shortly after giving birth.
Baby Piper was born six weeks early, and Dana made the decision to learn the basics of CPR from a certified professional at the time, to ensure she was prepared for anything.
The mother-of-four was still taken aback, however, when she had to put those newly-acquired skills into action just three weeks after her welcoming her daughter into world.
According to reports, Piper was being held by her 12-year-old sister Skylar when her eyes glazed over and she began experiencing breathing problems.
Mother-of-four Dana immediately sprang into action, performing two rounds of CPR on the tot. While Piper appeared to be alright, she stopped breathing again minutes later.
It was at this point that Dana carefully placed her newborn on the floor and performed another six rounds of CPR. Paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after and praised the concerned mother for ultimately saving her little one’s life.
As it turned out, baby Piper had been suffering from a respiratory infection referred to as RSV, to which premature babies are commonly more susceptible.
Speaking to local media, Dana said: “I would not have known what to do without [Nurse] Allison teaching us and having us practice [CPR] on a doll. I knew what I was doing with Piper was working because I could see her chest moving like the doll’s did.”
“All parents hope they never have to use it, but I’m glad I knew how when I did,” she added.
