A New Mother Knew Something Was Wrong The Minute She First Held Her Baby

Becoming a parent for the first time is an emotional process: you’re buying strollers, decorating the baby’s room, and learning new information about your upcoming, life-changing event. And as much joy as there is in the process, there are also parenting horror stories...which most people believe will never happen to them. Richard Cushworth and Mercedes Casanellas thought so, too, when Mercedes gave birth to their new baby in 2016. But when she got a good look at her newborn son, she had a sneaking suspicion that something was off about him. As time passed, her fears only grew.

Richard and Mercedes

After Richard and Mercedes got married in 2012, they moved to El Salvador to be missionaries, then to Dallas, Texas, to settle down. They wouldn’t remain in the U.S. for long. Why? Because the couple was pregnant with their first child.

El Salvador

A native Salvadorian, Mercedes wanted to give birth in her home country. So, the two flew to a hospital known for its high care standards and excitedly waited for their new baby to arrive. They didn’t have to wait long.

Enter, Jacob

Soon, via an emergency c-section, Mercedes gave birth to Jacob. She briefly held him, before he was whisked away to the nursery to be with the other newborns. She wouldn’t get to see her new son again until the next day.

Big Trouble

After a few more days in recovery, the new family left the hospital together. They traveled throughout Central America for a few months before returning again to America. This was when the trouble started.