A Joyous Beginning
First-time mother Michelle Parnell was no stranger to Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC when she stepped through the medical center’s doors eight days past her due date.
 Complications early on in her pregnancy brought her to Magee several times, where staff monitored her health as well as that of her unborn child. During one of these visits, doctors determined that her son only had one kidney.
To the right: Despite being born with one kidney, Eli Parnell is a healthy and active one year old.
“At first I was extremely nervous about what this would mean for the health and safety of my child. But, the doctors and nurses at Magee explained everything to me and answered all of my questions. Their patience and willingness to talk through my concerns really put me at ease,” said Michelle.
When Michelle’s due date came and went her anxiety rose. Her husband had plans to travel to Oklahoma and Kansas on business in the coming days. Afraid he would miss the birth of their first child, Michelle immediately called her physician, Andrew L. Spergel, MD. Taking into account Michelle’s high blood pressure, and after a little more convincing from the mother-to-be, Dr. Spergel determined induction would be the best option.
Upon being admitted to Magee, nurses immediately started Michelle on a pitocin drip to induce labor. After 19 ½ hours of contractions Michelle was only 7cm dilated. At this point, Dr. Spergel decided a C-section would be necessary in order to safely deliver the baby.
“The [Magee] staff was so wonderful during those 19 ½ long hours. I’m sure I was starting to get a little crabby by the 11th or 12th hour,” snickered Michelle. “But they made sure I felt very well taken care of”.
During the birth, several nurses remained by Michelle’s side in the event that any unexpected complications would arise. One nurse even made sure that these precious moments were captured on camera.
“The nurse agreed that as long as the medical staff didn’t need her, she would continue to take pictures during the baby’s delivery. Luckily, there were no complications and I am so thankful to have these images that I can cherish forever,” raved Michelle.
At 9:22 p.m. on October 14, 2008, Michelle and her husband welcomed an 8 ½ -pound baby boy named Eli into the world.
Despite the pain she suffered following surgery, Michelle was determined to take care of Eli and hold him in her arms. Weakened by the medication administered to ease her soreness, the Magee nurses made every effort necessary to allow the baby to stay with Michelle in her recovery room.
“Everyone at Magee made that first day so much easier for me. The doctors and nurses were all so helpful and I cannot begin to express how much Magee made my experience even more beautiful,” said Michelle.
Today Eli is a healthy and extremely active one year old. He is walking and talking more every day and has not suffered any further complications as a result of his missing kidney.
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