Three Generations Of Marblehead Family Shares Similar Birth Tales

When Mikaila Howie, 32, of Marblehead, needed an emergency c-section in March, due to her baby’s elevated heart rate, she knew she was in good hands. Both her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law had delivered Howie babies under similar circumstances and under the same roof. Mikaila’s son, Lawrence, became the third generation of Howies to arrive into the world safely, thanks to Salem Hospital’s Birthplace.

“When Law was born, he was diagnosed with a mild heart condition called supraventricular tachycardia, which causes his heart to suddenly beat much faster than normal,” says Mikaila. “The expertise and compassionate care we received from the labor and delivery team, including, Dr. Lorie Diaz, who delivered Law, my OB Dr. Justine Gelinas, as well as the Special Care Nursery, pediatric cardiologist, nurses and staff coupled with our family’s history at the hospital made all of the difference for us as first-time parents.”

Mikaila and John Howie’s original birth plan first took a turn during the COVID-19 shutdown, when the couple unexpectedly moved from New York City, where they had lived for the past 10 years, to the North Shore to be closer to family.

“Due to COVID-19, we weren’t able to do hospital tours or anything like that, so when it came to choosing a place to deliver, I had to trust the experiences of my family,” says Mikaila. “Knowing that so many of my family members were born at Salem Hospital was comforting to me. It’s really special to know we are continuing the family’s tradition in this way, starting on the same path. Our close bonds have only deepened during this time.”

Weighing in at 8 lbs. 13 ounces, “Law” is a healthy and happy baby. After his delivery, he spent a few days at Salem Hospital in the Special Care Nursery under the care of the neonatology and pediatric cardiology team. Since he’s been home, he’s required a couple of trips to the Salem Hospital emergency room to evaluate his heart rate and his family is learning to manage his condition. While he takes medication three times a day, his condition is not considered serious, and may resolve as he grows up.

“It is always gratifying to see multiple generations choose to deliver their babies at Salem Hospital,” says Lisa Cavallaro, R.N., nurse director of the Birthplace and Special Care Nursery. “We hear how the décor and faces have changed but are reminded that the expertise and support we provide to families remains a source of great confidence. It’s a special legacy we can share with our patients and their families.”

Salem Hospital’s Birthplace provides complete family-focused care, a memorable experience and support for moms, babies, parents and families. The expert and caring team includes OB/GYNs from North Shore Physicians Group and Lynn Community Health Center who cater to the needs and concerns of each family, including first-time moms and women with high-risk pregnancies, like those of the Howie family. Salem Hospital is a member of Mass General Brigham.