Brandi
Del Bosque
April 2013
Brandi
Del Bosque
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
The Woman's Hospital of Texas
Houston
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

I received a patient who was 22.2 weeks pregnant with twins and experiencing pre-term labor. Within 20 minutes, she was in transition and delivery was expected at any moment. I had plenty of help from the wonderful L&D staff as well as 3 physicians at the bedside.

Despite our best efforts, the patient delivered baby A at 0844. I was devastated along with the patient, not to mention completely overwhelmed with how quickly it all happened. The neonatologist at the delivery said the baby was too immature to resuscitate and the baby would eventually pass. Brandi stepped in. She put the baby on mom's chest skin to skin. While I took care of the medical aspect of things she stayed with the patient, soothing her as her baby slipped closer to death. Saying things like, "his heartbeat is 35 beats per minute now, it's almost time for him to go, express your love to him." She wrapped him and allowed dad to hold and love him then warmed him and placed him skin to skin again. She lovingly facilitated my patient through this process until the baby died 2 hours and 13 minutes later. She kissed my patient and apologized for their loss.

It seemed they were at peace. She never left their side. I could not have handled this situation without this nurse's love and kindness and the beauty she brought to the death of this infant. She is amazing.