summary of the birth
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Chapter Birth is about a young, energetic, and dedicated doctor, Andrew Manson who handles a critical delivery case masterfully. At the beginning we find him returning to his clinic where Joe Morgan is waiting for him to take him home and take care of his wife who is to deliver a baby after 20 years of their marriage.
He has returned after meeting Christine, his girl-friend, who was pressing Andrew for marriage. However, he is not mentally prepared yet. Besides, his views about marriage are full of doubts. His friends such as Bramwell, Edward Page, and Denny had had unsuccessful marriages. He fears his marriage could also be unsuccessful. So he is quite confused because of this.
At Joe’s house he finds Joe’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Morgan, and a midwife waiting for him. Then the crucial hour of delivery arrives, and to everyone’s shock the baby is born lifeless. Mrs. Morgan’s condition becomes critical; he first saves her and then diverts his attention to the baby.
He diagnoses the baby to be suffering from asphyxia, pallid (suffocation or unconscious condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, accompanied by paleness of the skin, weak pulse, and loss of reflexes). The young doctor accepts the challenge.
Remembering a case in the past, he starts the revival procedure. He plunges the child into the icy and hot waters alternately. Then he rubs the child dry and presses his chest delicately to make his lungs work. Finally the baby starts breathing.
This miraculous recovery of the child makes him famous in Blaenelly.