The first time you meet your baby is an overwhelming and emotional moment that you will never forget.
For new mum Shelly Ann Cawley, her first meeting with her baby daughter Rylan was particularly loaded with emotion.
After going into labour, Shelly Ann had to deliver Rylan by emergency caesarean. Rylan was born healthy but sadly Shelly Ann slipped into a coma following the procedure.
Shelly Ann’s husband Jeremy- along with her friends and family- kept a bedside vigil as they waited for her to show signs of recovery.
As the night comes to a close, I reflect on my day and how different it was than at the same time a year ago. What a... > >
Posted by [Shelly Ann Cawley](https://www.facebook.com/shellyanncawley) on [Sunday, September 6, 2015](https://www.facebook.com/shellyanncawley/posts/10205002985179666:0)
North Carolina-based Jeremy told Buzzfeed that doctors feared they were losing Shelly Ann, so they suggested that he bring in Rylan for skin-to-skin contact.
When Jeremy brought Rylan in for a cuddle, Shelly Ann’s response was unbelievable.
Her vitals dramatically improved much to her doctors' amazement.
Shelly Ann's nurse Ashley Manus told People magazine: "We knew that somewhere in there she was hearing her baby. Rylan saved her mom's life.”
One year on, Shelly Ann shared a touching Facebook post proving that she has made a full recovery from the traumatic birth.
She told Buzzfeed: "I remember staring at Rylan's face and thinking she is the most beautiful baby in the world.”
Shelly Ann also told WCNC: "It just amazes me that a baby so little can have such a big impact. They're pretty much helpless.
"They can't do anything, but yet she was able to. Her crying was able to give me something to fight for."