Woman In Coma Gives Birth [Video]

A woman in a coma gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Melissa Carleton, age 39, has been in a coma for more than two months. Despite her condition, Melissa gave birth on Thursday morning. Through social media, Brian Lande announce the birth of his son West Nathaniel Lande.

Melissa was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor during her second trimester. Although the expectant parents hoped to postpone treatment, Melissa experienced increasingly violent seizures and intense pain.

In early March, Melissa was struck with an intense seizure, which left her in a coma. Doctors removed the tumor during an emergency surgery. However, Melissa did not regain consciousness.

Although she remained in a coma, Melissa’s unborn child was unharmed. Brian stayed by his wife’s side throughout the ordeal. Unfortunately, doctors were unsure whether his wife or unborn child would survive.

On Thursday, doctors made the decision to deliver West via cesarean section. As reported by CBS News, the healthy baby boy weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces.

The woman remained in the coma throughout the birth. However, Brian said his wife’s condition has improved. Melissa’s father, John Farrell, said she is slowly regaining consciousness:

“She was making eye contact with the baby and that’s fairly new… She grabbed Brian’s cheek with her hand and she pulled his face down to her face and she gave him the first hug that he’s had since this trauma.”

Farrell said Melissa is breastfeeding her new son, with assistance. Her family is optimistic that her health will continue to improve.

Melissa’s mother, Lawanna, said her daughter is “more awake than she has been.” Daily News reports that Brian and the Farrells are making sure West and his mother are having “plenty of skin-to-skin time” so they can bond.

Brian and Melissa were newlyweds when she was diagnosed with the tumor. Although Brian is a deputy sheriff and Melissa is a family therapist, they have not been able to work for months. As their bills continue to pile up, friends and family have raised funds through a charity website.

To date, the couple has received more than $91,000 in donations. The money will be used to cover medical expenses and mortgage payments.

Brian said his only regret is that his wife was not awake to experience West’s birth. Although the woman remained in a coma for the birth, her family said her condition is slowly improving.

[Images via GoFundMe]