Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Patient Stories
  • Miracle Baby Born After Difficult Pregnancy
Content

PATIENT STORIES Miracle Baby Born After Difficult Pregnancy

The Molina Family's miracle baby

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Arsenia and Eric Molina call their daughter Emma their "miracle baby"— and for good reason. Just becoming pregnant was a long, difficult journey. The couple endured three years of in vitro fertilization and three heartbreaking miscarriages before Emma was conceived. But the challenges weren't over yet. The next few months were a roller coaster of events and emotions made bearable, in part, by the care and concern of their Sutter Health caregivers.

Just past the three-month mark of a seemingly normal pregnancy, Arsenia Molina began bleeding. Her doctor, Deborah Shapiro, M.D. of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, admitted her to Peninsula Medical Center for exploratory surgery. Arsenia Molina awoke to the news that she had been pregnant with twins. One was healthy and still growing normally in her uterus. But the second had implanted inside her fallopian tube (an ectopic pregnancy), causing the fallopian tube to burst. Dr. Shapiro had no choice but to remove that embryo to save Arsenia Molina's life and that of her other baby.

After the surgery, Arsenia Molina went back to work and focused on nurturing the new life growing inside her. But several weeks later, she began bleeding again—and this time her doctors could not detect the baby's heartbeat. The Molinas braced themselves for the worst, as they underwent an immediate ultrasound. Both were in tears. But then…the miracle.

"A few minutes into the ultrasound, the technician started yelling in excitement. We looked at the screen, and our little baby's hand was waving, 'I'm here, I'm here!'" Arsenia Molina says. "It was so exciting—I'll never forget it." For precaution's sake, she spent the rest of her pregnancy on bed rest. And two weeks before the official due date, little Emma was born, perfectly healthy.

The couple says they couldn't have asked for better care throughout the pregnancy and birthing process. "Every doctor or technician I saw made us feel like we were the only ones that mattered," Arsenia Molina says.

Dr. Shapiro adds, "To be a good physician, it's important to really connect with the individual and the family. If you can walk in each room and not be distracted by anything else, you will be better and the patient will feel like she's gotten her needs met."

Arsenia Molina says, "Life couldn't be more perfect. I have an incredible husband and a little miracle baby."

Related Stories

'Super' Sam is a NICU Miracle

Baby Sam was born by emergency C-section at 1 pound, 12 ounces and would spend the next 95 days in the NICU. But today he is happy and healthy.

Newborn with Heart Condition Thrives after Treatment

Looking at Ethan today, you wouldn’t know that he has endured three open-heart procedures.

Caring for Generations of Babies

Twins Jeni and Beth have nine kids between them—all delivered by Dr. Horowitz, now a friend for life.

New Mother Thanks Her “Guardian Angels”

Kari Loeser was able to express her appreciation for her care team through the Guardian Angel recognition program.

Preemie Goes Home after 137 Days in Hospital

Born prematurely at 23 weeks, Ellie's chances of survival were slim. But doctors at Sutter Children's Center never gave up on her.

See all Patient Stories

Disclaimer

Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences