A moment of pure joy and positivity during childbirth has captured the hearts of millions. Soneasha and George Baker, proud new parents, recently shared a TikTok video of their OB-GYN, Dr. Richard Bridgewater, delivering affirmations to their newborn son, Giannis, moments after his birth.
In the viral clip, which has racked up over 1.6 million views, Dr. Bridgewater speaks directly to baby Giannis, born on Dec. 8, 2024, at 4:24 a.m., weighing 8 pounds. His words are both uplifting and personal, introducing Giannis to the world with warmth and love.
“Look how handsome you are,” he begins, addressing the baby with a smile. He praises Soneasha’s strength, calling the delivery a “beautiful birth,” and emphasizes the significance of Giannis’s arrival: “So, you’re very special, and now that you’re here, the world will never, ever be the same.”
@dabakefam3 After our loss we switched gears and started searching for a different OBGYN. A Doctor that was able to answer questions that were left with “it happens” responses from our previous provider. A friend of mine who experience was nearly the same as mine referred me to Dr. Bridgewater. At our first appointment we were deeply moved! The positivity, reassurance, and patience Dr. Bridgewater provided was heartwarming. The world we live in today needs more medical professionals like Dr. Bridgewater. We are forever thankful 💙🙏🏽👨🏾⚕️ #blackcouple #blackcouplerevolution #blackfamily #blacklove #blackobgyn #blackexcellence #dabakefamily🖤 ♬ original sound – dabakefam
For the Bakers, these words carried extra weight. The couple, who had previously experienced a second-trimester loss, found comfort and trust in Dr. Bridgewater’s care after being referred to him by a friend. “The positivity, reassurance, and patience Dr. Bridgewater provided was heartwarming,” Soneasha shared in the video caption. “The world we live in today needs more medical professionals like Dr. Bridgewater. We are forever thankful 💙🙏🏽👨🏾⚕️.”
Related: Black Moms are being told to ‘speak up’ during birth—but they deserve better, too
“He spoke life into our son”
In a world where social media often amplifies life’s harsh realities, moments like these offer a much-needed reminder of hope and humanity. Viewers took to TikTok’s comments section to express their admiration. One commenter wrote, “INSER QUOTE HERE while another said, “INSERT QUOTE HERE”
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Soneasha told Good Morning America: “During delivery, he was very reassuring… Hearing him talk life into our son and finally hearing our son cry, it was just a sense of relief. His words hit me like a ton of bricks — but in a good way.”
Dr. Bridgewater, a Cornell University and Yale Medical School graduate, says his passion for OB-GYN work stems from the birth of his own child. When he unexpectedly had the chance to assist with his son’s delivery, it became a transformative experience.
“My dream was to make every birth as life-changing as my son’s birth,” Bridgewater shared. He now records videos like this one for many of his patients, giving newborns a message they can carry into the future. “On hard days, I want them to look back and see what their mom overcame for them. And on good days, I want them to know they were born into a celebration.”
Empowering patients, one birth at a time
Affirmations like those delivered by Dr. Bridgewater aren’t just words—they’re a powerful psychological tool. Experts say positive reinforcement during childbirth can help reduce anxiety and foster trust between patients and medical providers, creating an overall empowering experience for families.
The Bakers praised Dr. Bridgewater’s dedication and personal touch, emphasizing how his affirmations made them feel heard and valued. “It makes you feel like your baby isn’t just a check to him,” Soneasha said. “He does it because he truly loves it, and you can sense that from him. He made us feel on top of the world.”
Why this moment matters
As medical professionals increasingly focus on holistic care, moments like these showcase how compassion and personalized interactions can create lasting memories for patients. For families like the Bakers, Dr. Bridgewater’s approach goes beyond delivering babies; he delivers hope, confidence, and a reminder of just how powerful a mother’s love can be.
Related: Your motherhood journey might look different than what you expected—and that’s OK
Sources:
- Creating a positive perception of childbirth experience. 2018. Reproductive Health Journal. Creating a positive perception of childbirth experience: systematic review and meta-analysis of prenatal and intrapartum interventions.
