First E. Idaho intrauterine blood transfusion performed at EIRMC

Tools

Story Published: Apr 7, 2009 at 12:30 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2009 at 12:30 PM MDT

By Tommy Noel

IDAHO FALLS - A blood transfusion is an everyday occurrence at hospitals. But when the blood is given to an unborn baby, the procedure isn't as common.

In fact, the very first intrauterine blood transfusion in Eastern Idaho was just performed.

Suzanna Godfrey's unborn baby needed the transfusion to survive. Instead of traveling to Salt Lake, the procedure was done locally. We asked Godfrey's doctor to describe this delicate procedure.

"...putting a needle through the mother's belly, into the placenta, and into the base of the umbilical cord. And we direct the needle into the umbilical vain, then we give blood," says Dr. Michael Belfort.

"It's a miracle. It really is. Knowing that his life was saved. He could have died had we not done the transfusion and to make it this far, it's really been a miracle," says Suzanna Godfrey.

The transfusion was a success and the baby is scheduled to be born by C-section this Thursday.

Current Weather

Icon
Current Temp 38.0 °F
Fair
Video
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

Viewer Poll

This week Gov. Otter signed a bill requiring Idaho to sue the federal government if Congress passes health care reform. What's your response to this?

  • It's great to see Idaho taking the lead on this. Someone has to stand up to what's happening in Washington.
  • We can't afford to pay for education in Idaho, but we're going to spend tax dollars to sue the feds? Ridiculous.
  • Not sure.

Connect with KIDK