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."