Florida Hospital Waterman | Waterman Wellness | Spring 2016

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When Samantha Linton, of Mount Dora,
found out she was pregnant with her first
child, she and her husband were thrilled. Her
pregnancy was rather routine, until her water
broke and labor didn’t begin right away.
“I worked my normal shift, not realizing
what was happening, but remembered
my doctor’s instructions to call any time
something didn’t seem right,” Linton says.
“Once the water breaks, it’s important
that labor begin and the birth occur
within 24 hours to help reduce the risk of
infection for both mom and baby,” says
Joel Hallam, DO, OB-GYN. “Although a
majority of women never experience their
water breaking prior to the start of labor,
about 10 percent of women do.”
“We talked a good deal about the
warning signs of labor beginning, but
when it actually happened, I thought it
would be more dramatic,” Linton says.
Linton was admitted to the Center for
Women and Children at Florida Hospital
Waterman. Fifteen hours later, Dr. Hallam
delivered her beautiful daughter, Avery.
“Dr. Hallam was great; he talked to my
husband and me throughout the delivery,”
Linton says. “He kept us informed every
step of the way. I wouldn’t have wanted
anyone else to deliver my baby.”
Linton needed antibiotics while she
was in labor. Dr. Hallam explains: “The
amniotic sac acts as a defense against
bacterial infections
for the baby. When
we refer to the act
of the mother’s
water breaking,
that is when the sac
ruptures, and that
defense is gone.
The longer it takes
for labor to start after the water breaks, the
greater the risk of infection for both the
mother and baby.”
Complications
Despite precautionary measures, Avery was
born with an extremely high white blood
cell count. To help fight any potential
infection, Avery was admitted to the
hospital for two weeks and prescribed
around-the-clock antibiotics. “The nurses
were like family,” Linton says.
She appreciates how the team, knowing
the importance of the initial bond between
baby and mom, went out of their way to
accommodate her and her family.
Dr. Hallam stresses the importance of
prenatal education, especially for first-time
moms. Prenatal classes cover everything
from nutrition during pregnancy to the
labor process and postpartum.
Now home
Avery is home now with her mom, dad
and her half-brother and is doing great.
“I cannot emphasize enough how
wonderful Dr. Hallam was and how helpful
the nurses were. There was never a time that
I doubted their care. I wouldn’t want my
sick baby to be anywhere else,” Linton says.
“I am truly blessed.”
READY FOR BABY?
Becoming a first-time mom can be
overwhelming, but with the proper
preparation you can be ready for just about
anything. Visit to sign
up for prenatal classes and to schedule a
tour of the Center for Women and Children.
Joel Hallam, DO
OBSTETRICS
Protecting Avery
Avery, safe in her parents’ arms. BELOW
RIGHT: Samantha, her husband, Adam,
and his son, Tyler, love to spend quality
time with baby Avery at Mount Dora.