After safely delivering two children, Laura Noguchi thought she knew what to expect with baby number three. But with the due date still four weeks away, Laura started having contractions.
She went to PIH Health Whittier Hospital and was admitted that day. Shortly after admission, her baby girl was born naturally, much to Laura’s delight.
But then things changed. “Laura experienced postpartum hemorrhage—excessive bleeding following the birth of a baby—a rare condition affecting only about four percent of women—and needed an immediate transfusion,” explained Sara Soto MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology.
Laura’s placenta was also stuck to her uterus, which required Dr. Soto to perform an emergency hysterectomy to remove both. Fortunately, the hospital has a “Code OB” hemorrhage protocol in place, and everyone is trained and experienced in responding rapidly.
Within minutes, the hospital’s blood bank prepared and delivered 42 units of blood products. Dr. Soto performed the emergency surgery and Laura was given lifesaving transfusions.
Five days later, mom and baby returned home together.
“I couldn’t be happier with my stay at PIH Health Whittier Hospital,” said Laura. “The nurses took excellent care of my baby, and even brought her to me in the Critical Care Unit the first night. They were all so nice and really treated me like family.”