Abbotsford mom who gave birth while in ICU remains in coma due to COVID-19
Posted December 10, 2020 9:08 pm.
Last Updated December 10, 2020 9:09 pm.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) — An Abbotsford mom who gave birth to a baby boy one month ago while in the ICU and on a ventilator due to complications from COVID-19 still has not met her son.
37-year-old Gillian McIntosh remains in an induced coma at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, according to a statement from her family. Her condition has not changed since she was rushed into an emergency C-section on Nov. 10. The last time she communicated with her husband Dave was that night, in a text telling him she was being taken into surgery.
“It is very difficult to post regular updates when there isn’t much that is new to report. It can be hard to type those same words day after day and stay positive,” writes McIntosh’s sister-in-law Andrea Hildebrandt in an update on a GoFundMe page.
“The medical staff have been very clear that the road ahead is a long one. We appreciate their clarity, it helps us to keep our thoughts positive but realistic.”
The family is keeping in touch with video calls.
“Dave continues to hold Zoom calls at Gillian’s bedside in hopes that his voice will provide her with reassurance and comfort. This is an emotionally difficult thing for a spouse to have to do but I’m proud of him for doing it.”
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The baby boy was born two weeks early, and spent several days in the N-ICU. But Hildebrandt says he now is “strong and healthy,” adding he has gained an entire pound since coming home.
“He brings an element of joy in a challenging time,” the statement reads.
Over $90,000 has been raised to help the family, and money is only one way people have rallied to support the family.
“We are GRATEFUL! Grateful for the abundance of care from our community. There are formula, diapers, baking, cash, and other amazing gifts that you’re dropping off for my brother and his family and the outpouring of donations and kind messages via the GoFundMe campaign… the list goes on, as does our sincere gratitude,” Hildebrandt writes.
The baby has been named, but the family is keeping that information private.
“It’s the ONE thing Dave hopes to save for Gillian to know before everyone else knows. After all, you all got to know it was a boy before she did!”
