Woman in a coma gives birth to healthy baby boy


SAN FRANCISCO (CNN) -- A father is feeling a flood of emotions after his wife, who is in a coma, delivered a healthy baby boy, KTVU reported.

West Nathaniel Lande was born Thursday at five pounds, nine ounces.

The father, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Lande,  is relieved because doctors were not sure the baby or the mother would survive the pregnancy.

His wife, Melissa Carleton, suffered a seizure following treatment for a benign brain tumor. She has been in a coma since March, yet brought her baby to full term, according to KTVU.

Doctors tell Lande that Melissa’s injury to her brain is in the area that controls wakefulness, so she still may be aware of what is happening.

Before surgery she moved Lande’s hand to her stomach where the baby was kicking.

Now that baby West has arrived, Lande will be balancing his new baby, Melissa’s continued treatment and eventually returning to work for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department.

Lande has set up a GoFundMe.com site to raise money for Melissa’s treatment.

Woman gives birth