First E. Idaho intrauterine blood transfusion performed at EIRMC

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Story Published: Apr 7, 2009 at 11:30 AM MST

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2009 at 11:30 AM MST

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.

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