Shamiya was our post-partum nurse the day after our first child was born. Suffice to say, parenthood is a huge transition. Despite any amount of preparation, the chaotic nature of birthing and immediately caring for a child shocks any prior sense of normalcy. Being present, grounded, and loving during that change was our goal as a couple, though we knew the lack of sleep, increased responsibilities, and unexpected challenges would make it difficult.

Having calm and supportive people around us would greatly enhance our own ability to be loving and present for one another, as well as our baby, as we enter our lives as parents. Shamiya filled this supportive role beautifully. While all nurses undoubtedly carry an immense load of duties and responsibilities beyond what they can reasonably perform, we greatly appreciate it when someone can show up with peace for whatever is happening at that moment. Shamiya did this numerous times, such as when we were figuring out how to feed our baby with donor milk so that my wife could sleep.

Shamiya was absolutely unhurried, patiently guiding us through the process until we had a handle on it. At other times, she listened to our worries and questions with true attentiveness and was not quick to respond without due thought and understanding of what we were asking. Shamiya also actively encouraged communication, which allowed me to text her when my wife was sleeping to avoid any unnecessary interruptions. Lastly, we cannot say enough about how Shamiya carries herself and each task that is in front of her. Removing the IV from my wife's wrist, carefully swaddling our newborn, and administering metabolic and jaundice exams with near-silent tact are just a few more examples.

Her wisdom in caring for newborns is beautiful to witness, and she doesn't seem arrogant about it. We hope to encounter more healthcare professionals like Shamiya in the future, as she has given us so much guidance and emotional tranquility just in this 12-hour shift.