Wednesday, Jan. 02, 2008

Clock strikes 12, then baby is born

TURLOCK -- A Modesto family celebrated the birth and good fortune of their New Year's baby -- Stanislaus County's first of 2008.

Kate Rebekah Sammons was born at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock.

She wasn't expected until Jan. 15, but the birth didn't come too soon for the worried family. Her umbilical cord was wrapped four times around her neck during delivery. Luckily, it was twice as long as a typical cord, giving it extra slack, and the baby arrived safely at 6 pounds, 7.2 ounces and 19.2 inches.

Kate's mother, Rebekah Sammons, had prenatal tests Monday because of early contractions. Her doctor, Dr. Brian Bigelow, detected Kate's heartbeat slowing during the contractions, leading him to suspect the cord might be wrapped around the baby's neck. He suggested inducing labor.

"We're just grateful that everyone is healthy," said Patrice Bussell, Kate's grandmother, basking near the newborn Tuesday. "And by God's grace and mercy that Dr. Bigelow had the wisdom to begin labor."

It marked the first time Bigelow delivered the first baby of the year in 34 years of practice and residency in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, he said.

"I was hoping it would happen," Bigelow said. "I always wanted to have the first baby of the year be one of my patients -- it's just a cool thing. They're a super nice couple."

Kate's father, Troy Sammons, and her older sister, 18-month-old Dakota, hovered near the newborn.

Rebekah Sammons, 24, said she heard nurses murmur that her baby might be the first of the year but she didn't believe it or even consider the significance until Kate arrived on the second push after four hours of labor.

"It's going to be special because we can say, 'Happy New Year!' and then sing 'Happy Birthday,' " Sammons said.

Bee staff writer Inga Miller can be reached at imiller@modbee.com or 578-2324.