Hi, I am Nikki, Emily's childhood friend.

I am sharing on her behalf in hopes of raising funds to offset the medical cost of the recent birth of her second child, Sterling. Sterling's journey earthside was very traumatic on both baby and mom. The experience resulted in Sterling needing CPR. Both Emily and Sterling are currently admitted at the hospital. I know they are anxious to get home. As you can imagine, the additional cost will become insurmountable. If you can donate, it would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to, please share. Emily does so much for others. It's our turn to lift her up.

Emily's story:

Sterling Michael Rhoads

Born August 21, 2025, at 8:05 pm

7 lbs 13 oz & 19 inches

TW: Traumatic Birth Story

We went in for a VBAC induction the night of August 20th, and everything progressed smoothly after the Cook's catheter balloon came out and my water was broken. At 7 cm dilated, the nurses were saying, "You're having contractions, do you feel them?" and I said, "Not really, just feel some cramping." The nurses confirmed my high pain tolerance with a laugh.

Before progressing further, we decided it was in our best interest to get an epidural since there was a possibility of having an emergency c-section. The epidural was difficult. It had to be removed and replaced 3 times with numerous "fishing around" moments, but it did provide some relief during the 8-10 cm stage.

We had some difficulties between 8-10 cm where a nurse had to reposition me every 5 to 10 minutes due to his heart rate dropping. At 10 cm, we decided it was time to push, and on the 6th push, his heart rate dropped drastically. The doctor inserted electric probes and her hands to internally perform CPR on him while a nurse hopped on my chest. I was wheeled back into an emergency c-section around 7:55 pm.

From the trauma on the way to the OR, my IVs blew, and there was a delay in administering pain medication and anesthesia. The anesthesiologist arrived and inserted a new IV port to administer the drugs. Before the medication was administered, the OB yelled we cannot wait or we're going to lose them both. I was still awake and unnumbed as she cut into me and ripped 3 of the 6 layers deep.

I was intubated and put under general anesthesia. I woke up in my room around 11:30 pm, confused and with Kevin crying by my side. He had to make difficult, life-saving decisions for both his wife and newborn, and I am so grateful for him and the choices he made that saved us both.

Sterling had deprivation of oxygen and partial double lung collapse. Luckily, his lungs recovered over the next few hours on their own, and he did not need surgery or pokes through his rib cages to reinflate them.

I finally got to see him around 3:30 am in the nursery and got to hold him for the first time around 8:45 am the next morning, almost 12 hours after he was born. I didn't get to see him right away or hear his first cry, which is every mother's nightmare.

We were discharged Saturday evening, and I was readmitted to the hospital Sunday morning with a heart issue and infection. I am still in the hospital as I post this. Hoping to be discharged tomorrow or Thursday, depending on how stable I can remain and numerous test results. I will provide updates on this at a later time.

With this said, I have had the most phenomenal care from the nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists, etc., at Sarah Bush. I cannot say enough amazing things about them. I have made some life-long friends in the process.

Please be respectful during this time and refrain from asking for updates about my current hospital stay. Both Kevin and I are very exhausted, and with getting tests performed constantly, the individual updates get very overwhelming. Thanks!