Caitlin Henry’s co-workers had a feeling she would be getting a Christmas present to remember. And even though Caitlin said it wouldn’t happen, her daughter had other plans.
Caitlin is a postpartum nurse at Northside Hospital Atlanta. She went back to work — but as a patient — on Christmas Eve after her water broke at 2:30 a.m.
“We arrived at the hospital confirming I was indeed in labor,” she said. But, since she was only dilated 1 centimeter, Caitlin knew she and her husband, Anthony, were in for a long day.
“It’s funny because everyone at work said I would have her on Christmas Day and I kept telling them, ‘Oh no,’” she said. “I said, if she comes on Christmas, it was definitely her choice, and I’ll remind her of that.”
Caitlin said her labor began to progress at about 11 p.m.
“It was a long labor but when it was time to push, we got her out in less than an hour,” she said.
Callen Asherra Henry was born at 4:51 a.m. Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 19 inches.
Dr. Keisa Anderson delivered Callen at Northside Atlanta, although Dr. John Conatser was Henry’s obstetrician.
“My nurses were truly God-sent and helped me each and every step of the way to get my baby girl out safely and fast,” Caitlin said. “There were moments I told them I can’t do this anymore, and they just picked me up and said, ‘Yes you can,’ and let me grab their hands even harder. Each and every person who stepped in my room always had a smile on their face.”
Caitlin also said it was “a blessing” to go for postpartum care on the first floor, where she works, to see that from the other side.
“It was such an overwhelming feeling of love from each one of them to finally see the baby girl whom I carried for nine months,” she said. “My first floor family made sure Callen was safe and healthy from the time she came up to the moment we left.”
Caitlin’s advice for new moms: “Take in all the simple moments because it truly goes by so fast,” she said. “Enjoy all the 3 a.m. feedings and the long sleepless nights! They are only this small for so little, so hold them so tight!”
Learn more about maternity excellence at Northside.
