The birth of a baby is undoubtedly a momentous occasion in any family but for the Licha family from Spokane, Washington in the USA it was extra special.
Jeremy Licha nearly missed his daughter’s birth altogether but thanks to a couple of laptops, a webcam and the internet, he didn’t.
The Air Force Sergeant had been deployed overseas, half way round the world in fact, but he fully intended to make the journey home in time for the birth of his child.
However, even the best laid out plans can go terribly wrong particularly when the unexpected happens, which is what happened in this case.
Jennifer Licha went into labour early leaving no time for Jeremy to make the long journey home to be with his wife for the birth of their baby.
All was not lost though. With a bit of creative thinking and some understanding hospital staff, Jeremy was able to attend the birth virtually and witness his daughter’s birth after all.
“The nurses were able to talk to him and explain exactly what’s going on,” his wife Jennifer said afterwards.
“Everybody was really good about keeping him informed.”
According to the news reports, administrators apparently said it was the first case that they knew of where a web camera was used to introduce a new baby to a father.
Well there’s no way we can know that for sure but if it’s true, you can bet there’ll be others following suit now. It’s surely got to be the next best option if you’re stuck miles away from home.
What did Jeremy think about his experience?
“It’s truly incredible that it’s so far away and yet I’m in the room seeing everything live and in real time,” he said.
“It’s an amazing experience just to have a kid and to miss anything? Just, no way.”
The proud new dad has since returned to Spokane and has been able to see his new daughter Jaelynn for real.
“I think I’m more involved in my child’s first part of her life than I would have been” he said.
Although Jaelynn made her entrance into the world before she was due, the family are hoping that she will be able to leave hospital this week.
The wonders of the web eh!
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