Decorah doctor delivers his own daughter--in their own home!

(Left to right): Bennett, Davis, Kelly, Nina and Tony Coppola

When you hear of a Gundersen Lutheran physician delivering a baby in Decorah, it is usually at Winneshiek Medical Center.  But that wasn't the case fpr Gundersen Lutheran--Decorah Clinic physician Tony Coppola--he took the Gundersen slogan "Care Close to Home" literally.

Dr. Coppola's wife, Kelly, woke up her husband at 5:30 a.m. on October 23rd as she was having some mild contractions, but "wasn't sure this was really it."  Kelly decided to pick up a few things around the house, while Dr. Coppola got their two boys fed, dressed and sent off to school with a friend of theirs.  Around 7:00 a.m. the contractions became more regular, and they both decided this must be real labor pain.  Dr. Coppola then went to throw a few bags in their car, and then returned to check on his wife.

Surprisingly, he found her on the floor, next to their bed.  She explained that the pains had become severe and frequent, and she was having a lot of lower abdominal pressure.  It was all they could do to get Kelly up onto their bed.

"I suddenly became aware that we weren't going to make it to the hospital, which was more than a little scary for both of us," Dr. Coppola explained.  "I called Dr. Janet Ryan, our physician, and the ambulance, to get them on their way.  Then, I had her breath through a couple contractions, resisting the urge to push.  After about five more minutes, I realized the ambulance would never make it in time."

Dr. Coppola delivered his third child, Nina Katherine, at 7:30 a.m. in his own house.  Minutes later, Dr. Ryan and the ambulance arrived, along with Denise Duffy, one of the OB nurses.  Due to the emergent delivery, Kelly and Nina were transported to Winneshiek Medical Center.  Fortunately, despite the high risk nature of the delivery, everything turned out well.

"We feel very blessed.  Mom and baby are doing well, and the labor and delivery staff at WMC were excellent," comments Dr. Coppola. "We're also so thankful for the prayers and support of our family and friends in the community."