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Technology helps soldier see son's birth from overseas
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| By: Rachel Westberg |
June 17, 2009 |
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Nate Pintens was able to experience the birth of his son back in Wisconsin with the help of webcamera and Internet technology. Pintens’ wife, Racheal, is pictured talking with Nate while holding their new boy, Benjamin Peter.
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It is a feat that only modern technology could help make possible-a soldier in Iraq was able to witness the birth of his son taking place back in Wisconsin and talk with his wife during the entire process.
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That's a story for the baby book, and it is exactly the excitement that took place with the birth of Benjamin Peter Pintens last Wednesday.
When Racheal Pintens, of Chetek, discovered she was pregnant back in September, she and husband Nate Pintens knew he could be sent to Iraq. Nate is a specialist with the Wisconsin Army National Guard Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry. The company is part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade that was deployed in February for missions in Iraq. It wasn't long after the couple found out the baby's due date that Nate received his deployment orders.
"We initially went into things knowing he might not be here," said Racheal. "We just waited to see what cards we were dealt."
Knowing their situation, the two began planning for the possibility of using a webcamera so Nate could watch his baby's birth from Iraq. The hope was that the steps necessary for the event would fall into place-which required a bit of timing and luck.
Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, Racheal starting going into labor. She tried to call overseas and get a hold of Nate, but it wasn't until after her water broke around 2:20 p.m. that he was able to make his first call to her. He called her again around 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to check in, knowing he should be able to get done with his work shift around 9 p.m.
On the other side of the world, it happened that Luther Midelfort Northland in Barron had wireless Internet capabilities in the obstetrics unit. Staff soon worked to set up a computer and camera and Racheal filled out the paperwork to allow the birth to be broadcast.
"I just was hoping to God that he didn't miss it," says Racheal. "When we knew there was no chance of him coming back, we began planning. Not many hospitals allow things to be broadcast through the Internet. I knew many other fathers overseas experienced the birth of their child over the phone. We knew we could do it if it happened at just the right time."
Nate was finally able to link-up to the Internet and made contact with the hospital room around 9:20 p.m. The two wore headsets so they could hear one another, and through the camera, they were able to see and talk to one another. Nate witnessed the end of the labor and the birth of his son at 10:10 p.m.-with Racheal's sister and Nate's mother in the room with her for the delivery. Benjamin was a healthy 8 lbs. 3 oz., and 20 inches long.
"Of course, I would've rather seen it in person, but I was pretty satisfied with the whole experience," Nate relayed to Racheal as she spoke with him on the phone Thursday afternoon from her hospital room. "It wasn't ideal, but given the situation, it was as close to the real thing as it could be. I was very luck to be able to see it and not hear about it after the fact. I'm so thankful that the guys in the 128th supported me and allowed me to get out as fast as I could."
The three had some time alone after everyone left, until around 10:45 p.m. when Nate's connection started getting worse and his allotted time was coming to an end.
"I know Nate spent a lot of time by himself afterward," said Racheal. "He's still taking it all in, but we all feel lucky he got to see what he did."
Benjamin joins a sister, Emily, and Nate hopes to join his family in person by spring 2010. Until then, Racheal says she plans on filming plenty of video so Nate is still able to witness several of the "firsts" of his new son. As Racheal began to think about her return home, she couldn't help but remember-and appreciate-the immense amount of support that is out there for families in similar situations.
"There are a lot of other heartaches going on and a lot of moms here are going through the same things," Racheal says. "But there are lots of people who understand what you are going through. It is a lot to take in sometimes, but you know people are there who, if you need to cry, they'll cry with you."
That support is what seems to have carried both Racheal and Nate through a bittersweet moment in their young family's life.
"You are never alone," adds Racheal. "It is hard when the only person you want, you can't have. You just remember it will all be over soon and hopefully they'll all come home safe and soon."
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©The Chetek Alert 2010
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Chad Seibel |
Jun, 18 2009 |
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It's not easy leaving the safety of your home to go fight for your country. It's even harder when you're in the situation that Nate and Racheal Pintens where in. I hope everyone that reads this article realizes the caliber of people the Pintens are and never forget the sacrifices made by the Pintens and thousands like them. As a veteran myself, it warms my heart knowing the amount of support that is given to our troops. The aspect that is often overlooked is the families that are left behind. Always remember to support our troops, and never forget to support there families that have to carry the extra load of living while their loved ones are away.
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