Infant Child of President John F. Kennedy. By August of 1963, Jackie Kennedy had now been pregnant over 27 weeks. This was her fifth pregnancy in a previously unhealthy past four. She had already had one miscarriage in 1955, followed by a stillborn. The next 2 children were healthy, although Jack, the son, was premature. With this knowledge, she requested that her doctor accompany her on the summer trip to Massachusetts that she and her children were to go on. On the morning of August 7th, 1963, Jackie had arranged a horse trip for her children. While riding, she experienced labor pains. The accompanying doctor, Dr. John Walsh, was called for. The family was soon brought to Otis Air Force Base, where John F. Kennedy would meet them, arriving from The White House. Patrick was given birth to surgically. This made him the first child to be born to a sitting United States President since the 18th century. Due to the premature birth, he weighed less than 5 pounds. A short while following birth, Patrick began displaying symptoms of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or breathing difficulties. When his father arrived, the baby was quickly baptized and named Patrick Bouvier for his grandfather and great-grandfather, and Bouvier for his mother’s maiden name. Many attempts at modern technology were attempted to protect the President’s son. However, after 39 hours of life, Patrick passed away in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber, which was one of the attempts to save his life. A small funeral mass was held for Patrick the following day. His death caused mourning throughout the First Family and the nation. His death also led toward the improvements of medical technology for infant respiratory problems.

Infant Child of President John F. Kennedy. By August of 1963, Jackie Kennedy had now been pregnant over 27 weeks. This was her fifth pregnancy in a previously unhealthy past four. She had already had one miscarriage in 1955, followed by a stillborn. The next 2 children were healthy, although Jack, the son, was premature. With this knowledge, she requested that her doctor accompany her on the summer trip to Massachusetts that she and her children were to go on. On the morning of August 7th, 1963, Jackie had arranged a horse trip for her children. While riding, she experienced labor pains. The accompanying doctor, Dr. John Walsh, was called for. The family was soon brought to Otis Air Force Base, where John F. Kennedy would meet them, arriving from The White House. Patrick was given birth to surgically. This made him the first child to be born to a sitting United States President since the 18th century. Due to the premature birth, he weighed less than 5 pounds. A short while following birth, Patrick began displaying symptoms of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or breathing difficulties. When his father arrived, the baby was quickly baptized and named Patrick Bouvier for his grandfather and great-grandfather, and Bouvier for his mother’s maiden name. Many attempts at modern technology were attempted to protect the President’s son. However, after 39 hours of life, Patrick passed away in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber, which was one of the attempts to save his life. A small funeral mass was held for Patrick the following day. His death caused mourning throughout the First Family and the nation. His death also led toward the improvements of medical technology for infant respiratory problems.

Bio by: Jake