Brooke Hessong
July 2025
Brooke
Hessong
,
RN II
Labor and Delivery
Frederick Health
Frederick
,
MD
United States
I wholeheartedly believe that the only reason my daughter and I survived is because of Brooke’s attentiveness, expertise, and avocation.
I was undergoing a TOLAC with Pitocin and a wonderful epidural that had me completely numb. Brooke was very attentive and did everything possible to make my desire to have a vaginal delivery possible. While dozing, I was suddenly awoken by excruciating abdominal pain and pressed my call light. Brooke and the charge nurse immediately responded to my room and quickly assessed the situation. My baby’s heart rate had dropped dangerously low, as well as my blood pressure. Brooke immediately moved me into another position as she called the doctor, and the charge nurse hollered for help in the hallway. I work as a Rapid Response and Code Nurse, so I know the inside scoop on in-hospital emergencies, and the “not good words” that are used when I respond to L&D were being used about me and my baby. I was terrified and knew that both of our lives were in jeopardy.
Brooke grabbed my hand and told me things were going to get busy, but she was not leaving my side. I heard her advocating for me with the doctor by firmly pushing to emergently go to the OR. Within seconds, I was rolling down the hallway to the OR, saying goodbye to my husband at the doors, not knowing if I’d ever see him again, was excruciatingly difficult, but Brooke promised that he’d join me soon.
Lying on the OR table, understanding every word spoken- “she’s hemorrhaging,” “blood pressure is now 50/30,” “get a second doctor in here now!” and further realizing how bad things were left me absolutely terrified beyond words. Brooke popped her head around several times to assure me that she was still there.
Then what every new mother fears- I heard them say the baby was out, and there was deafening silence where there should have been a crying baby. Again, Brooke updated me that she was still there and the NICU team had my baby. After the longest 8 minutes of my life, I finally heard the wonderful sound of my baby screaming, and nobody cheered louder than Brooke!
After my epidural was discontinued, I had excruciating incision pain along with terrible shivers on the way back to my room. Brooke made it her mission to get me comfortable. Ultimately, I had a uterine rupture and placental abruption. I wholeheartedly believe that the only reason my daughter and I survived is because of Brooke’s attentiveness, expertise, and avocation. Brooke is the type of nurse that every patient wishes they had. I was the lucky one who did have her that morning, and I’m here now because of her. For that, my family and I will forever be thankful!
Brooke grabbed my hand and told me things were going to get busy, but she was not leaving my side. I heard her advocating for me with the doctor by firmly pushing to emergently go to the OR. Within seconds, I was rolling down the hallway to the OR, saying goodbye to my husband at the doors, not knowing if I’d ever see him again, was excruciatingly difficult, but Brooke promised that he’d join me soon.
Lying on the OR table, understanding every word spoken- “she’s hemorrhaging,” “blood pressure is now 50/30,” “get a second doctor in here now!” and further realizing how bad things were left me absolutely terrified beyond words. Brooke popped her head around several times to assure me that she was still there.
Then what every new mother fears- I heard them say the baby was out, and there was deafening silence where there should have been a crying baby. Again, Brooke updated me that she was still there and the NICU team had my baby. After the longest 8 minutes of my life, I finally heard the wonderful sound of my baby screaming, and nobody cheered louder than Brooke!
After my epidural was discontinued, I had excruciating incision pain along with terrible shivers on the way back to my room. Brooke made it her mission to get me comfortable. Ultimately, I had a uterine rupture and placental abruption. I wholeheartedly believe that the only reason my daughter and I survived is because of Brooke’s attentiveness, expertise, and avocation. Brooke is the type of nurse that every patient wishes they had. I was the lucky one who did have her that morning, and I’m here now because of her. For that, my family and I will forever be thankful!