newjerseynewsroom.com

Christie Rampone, captain of the Women's National Soccer Team, and her husband Chris welcomed a baby girl into the world on Saturday, March 6 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune at 12:56 p.m. The child is the second for the couple.

Reece Elizabeth Rampone was delivered by c-section by Noelle Aikman, M.D. and weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 2 ounces.

"This is an absolutely amazing time for my family, and we are so grateful for the exceptional team of physicians and nurses at Jersey Shore University Medical Center," said Rampone. "They are so dedicated and caring, and make you feel comfortable every step of the way, it's like having your own support system."

When Rampone learned she was pregnant with her second child, the Olympic champion approached her OB/GYN Jocelyn Carlo, M.D. about whether she could continue to play soccer with her team, Sky Blue. Together, they developed a plan that allowed Christie to safely play through her first trimester. "It was very comforting knowing Dr. Carlo was on board and I wouldn't have to put my career on hold or retire," added Christie. It wasn't until after the Sky Blue clinched the World Professional Soccer championship that Christie revealed to her teammates she was 11 weeks pregnant. It had been quite a season for Christie, who captained, and served as coach for the team for part of the season, and also underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst last summer.

"Reece is our second child born at Jersey Shore, so we are very familiar with the high level of care they provide, which was so important to us," said Rampone.

— NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM