There are no words to describe the feeling new parents get when they see their babies for the first time. The moment is simply priceless.
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For Nebraska parents Ashton and Logan Johnson, the significance of seeing their unborn son increased as Ashton was able to see their child for the very first time thanks to new technology.
Ashton has a visual impairment, and up until recently was unable to see her unborn baby in ultrasound appointments. She relied on the descriptions her husband gave her and the guidance of her doctors.
“They’re like ope, his hands are in front of his face again,” Ashton said. “I was like, what’s he doing now? And Logan’s like ope, he’s going to sleep.”
Descriptions are great, but there is nothing like seeing for yourself. Ashton’s OBGYN, Dr. Katie Sekpe, found a way to give her patient a closer view.
“And so, the thought came like it would be really nice to get her something tangible to hold on to, to feel the contours of the baby’s face and to really get an understanding of what baby looks like,” Katie said.
Katie teamed up with another OBGYN, Dr. John Coté, to make a 3D print of Johnson’s ultrasound. What a gift!
As Ashton traced the image of her baby’s face with her fingers, she couldn’t believe what she was experiencing. She was actually feeling the shape of her unborn son’s features and thus finally getting to witness what the ultrasound was showing all along.
“This is so cool,” Ashton said. “Like I have not been able to feel his, like see his ultrasounds like at all, so like this is so cool. I can see his little lips and his little nose. That is so cute. And his little eyes. Oh my gosh.”
John is also an assistant professor at Creighton University, and shared that the research he’s doing will eventually make the world take notice of the school’s obstetrics and gynecology department.
“We’re actually one of the first institutions to be able to do stuff like this,” John said.
Research aside, providing this level of access for the mother to her child via a 3D print of her ultrasound has multiple health benefits and more. It raises oxytocin levels and increases attachment to her baby. He says it’s groundbreaking work.
“3D printing has been around for some time but when we’re applying it to more common scenarios like everyday pregnant patients and that’s when I think it becomes a game-changer,” he said.
The game has definitely been changed for Ashton and her growing family.
“I never thought I’d get to see what my baby looks like in a way – feel what he looks like,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what he looks like in person.”
It’s easy to get emotional from the experience. With tear-filled eyes, she shared her gratitude. We’re crying too.
“Thank you so much guys,” she said. “This really means so much to me. Thank you. I definitely wouldn’t have this opportunity without you guys. So thank you guys.”
We can feel the joy over here, too. Usually when you are expecting a baby, parents are curious who the baby will look like? They ask questions like, “Whose eyes will they have?” of “Will they have my nose?”
Now that Ashton has a better idea of her son’s features, they know whose nose he will have. He has his father’s nose, Logan shared proudly.
Children are truly gifts that keep on giving. Share this story to celebrate Ashton finally being able to see her son.
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