Strong Women: A Mother and a Daughter's Resilience

Strong Women: A Mother and a Daughter's Resilience - Gratitude Story

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When LaWan Sypert-Mujiheed and her husband Dawud arrived at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s Labor & Delivery department, they were ready to welcome their daughter, Laila, to the world. On the day of delivery, however, mother and newborn daughter endured life-threatening medical emergencies. When in active labor, LaWan suddenly collapsed and passed out completely and baby Laila’s heartbeat slowed.

 Sypert-Mujiheed Family

Specialists from the Women and Newborn’s Center, along with many caring nurses and other MedStar Southern Maryland associates, rushed through the night to convene at the hospital and determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. It was discovered the mother suffered from an amniotic embolism and the baby had developed a lung condition called a bilateral pneumothorax.

After intense intervention and numerous hours spent in care at MedStar Southern Maryland, Children’s National Medical Center and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, both Laila and LaWan’s health risks subsided. LaWan now has nearly full physical function, thanks to continuing treatment with her MedStar Health therapist. Little Laila is now a thriving young toddler.

Dawud, after being faced with losing both his wife and daughter, recalls of this life changing event, "You are never prepared to hear your wife is dying and your baby is too. I knew Laila would pull through, just like her mother. They are strong women. I am incredibly grateful to the physicians and care team who saved both my wife and daughter."

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