5 /5 depots MMB: I felt decreased fetal movement when I was 34 weeks pregnant with my second child,
who had several genetic defects and was already facing a challenging situation. When
I got to the SDU on November 30th, Nurse Karla greeted me with such compassion
and held my hand while the team was checking for a heartbeat and finally, movement via ultrasound. It was discovered that my baby had passed away in utero. Nurse Karla was instrumental in my survival over the next 72 hours as I was grieving while giving birth, and eventually, grieving while holding and loving on my child before I had to say goodbye. She felt like family, providing such an exceptional level of care, including being attentive, being a listening ear, holding space for my emotions whatever they may be, and also nursing me back to a healing place as I had gestational hypertension and fever. She explained everything so that there was no confusion, made clear our every option every step of the way, and advocated for us in a way that I have to say she was an absolute Angel for us. She was so sweet with our
babygirl, held me while I cried, bathed our daughter with us and chose the best outfit-
and she took the most amazing photos of our family in the hardest moments, creating
a wonderful album and inviting other programs to consult us regarding all of our
wishes and needs. I’ve never known care of that quality in my entire life, even with my
firstborn’s birth. Our nurses and care team were exceptional at their jobs, their hearts pure, their energy warm, and they truly saved me from despair during the hardest time of my life, prioritizing my dignity with the upmost respect. Because of them, I’m able to continue on and while I know this grief will be life-long, I will never, ever forget what nurse Karla and the amazing doctors and staff did for me or their incredible kindness.
