Reservist Jake Freshwater Hears Baby’s First Cry via Skype

October 18, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

Thanks to Skype and cooperation of medical staff, Army Reservist Jake Freshwater heard his son’s first cry even though he was clear around the world stationed in Balad, Iraq.

Schaefer Freshwater was in labor and delivery for 13 hours, and her husband Jake, was right there with her — at least virtually — via a computer webcam. The camera followed Schaefer from the chest up throughout the birth process so that Jake could see her and talk to her.

Pierce Jacob Cole Freshwater was welcomed into this world by Cesarean section on October 8 at 5:21 p.m. He has already been nicknamed “Virtual Jake.”

The Red Cross helped on Jake’s end by making arrangements for a private room at the base. Throughout his deployment, the couple has been able to talk by webcam about once a week. The American Red Cross provides this service to soldiers to help the families during the difficult time of separation.

This was apparently the first time this hospital had been asked to make such arrangements, according to Robin Locher, manager of labor and delivery at Owensboro Medical Health System in Kentucky. “We wanted to make sure we got a good, safe connection and that the patient’s confidentiality wouldn’t be breached,” Locher said. “We installed (webcam program) Skype in the computer and tested it a few times. Then we had Schaefer come in last week and log on, and she talked to her husband once.

“We were excited to do it. What’s more precious than hearing your baby’s first cry?” The medical staff made sure that Jake was also able to see his son’s hands and feet.

Jake Freshwater has been in the Army Reserves for more than four years. He has been in Iraq for a month, after leaving Ford Hood, Texas, in July. Schaefer has been living with her mother since the deployment.

The family is doing fine, and they are excited about their son.