Amelia Paul
May 2018
Amelia
Paul
,
RN
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Aurora Sinai Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

I gave birth to my baby via an unexpected C-section. He was born 10 weeks early and survived only five days in the NICU. After learning from chromosomal testing our baby had Triploidy and would never live a life outside of the NICU, we pulled the machines. My husband and I got to hold our angel baby for the first and last time at 4 days old. Our little fighter survived almost four hours off the machines. Amelia was great through the whole process. Before we knew he would not survive, she took amazing care of him as if he were her own, talking to him, soothing him through gentle touch, making sure he was getting the right amounts of everything, all of which I know are part of her job, but she performed those duties with such grace and love. She was so patient with me during care times, teaching me how to care for my tiny baby and performing all her duties with me in the way. When we found out he would not make it, she helped to arrange a baptism and made sure we had a baptismal gown for him. She made sure we got some photos of him in a tiny knit hat. Amelia arranged for us to say goodbye to our baby in a private room and provided me with a breast pump so I wouldn't have to leave to relieve the pain and fullness. She realized I hadn't had my pain medication or had eaten since breakfast and arranged for food to be delivered so I could take my medicine. She made sure we received all of our baby's things. Amelia gave us a special box that included handmade pieces with his footprints and handprints. We will forever be grateful for her support and kindness during this extremely difficult time.