It's not uncommon for soccer fans to tune in to the World Cup while at work, but two Mexican doctors took it to the next level, choosing to watch their national team play while having their first child at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center.
Dr. Norma Espinoza and Dr. Homero Salcido moved to Israel several years ago to complete their residencies at Hillel Yaffe. Today, the couple lives in Hadera; he works in the Department of General Surgery A, while she is in the Department of Ophthalmology.
The couple chose to have their first child at Hillel Yaffe, and it just so happened that Dr. Espinoza went into labor as Mexico took the field.
Watching the game on screen felt like being at home, Homero said.
"Of course, you can always watch the matches on your phone," Homero stated. "But it's really nice to have a giant screen in the delivery room, just like at home."
"It also helps distract you from the contractions - especially when Mexico scores a goal," Norma said.
The day was a success on two accounts: The two welcomed their son into the world, and Mexico advanced to the next round of the World Cup.