My husband and I noticed our baby had not kicked for 24 hours, so we decided to come in to check on the baby. Our first stop was an ultrasound, and we quickly found out our baby’s heart had stopped beating at 32 weeks pregnant. The pain and heartache of this news was devastating and completely shattered our dreams. This was our first child and the first grandchild for both of our parents.

As soon as we got this news, we decided to stay and deliver him. Michaela was our assigned nurse and was so caring and compassionate. She went above and beyond to accommodate our family and us as they started to arrive. Michaela was on the night shift, so she went home, and I spent the rest of the day with two other nurses. I was so happy when 7:00 pm rolled around, and we found Michaela by our side again. She was there throughout all of my dilation checks. When it was time to deliver, no doctor was available. Michaela stayed so calm and reassured me through it all. We waited 45 minutes for the doctor to arrive, and the entire time, Michaela was by my side, massaging my leg that was in tremendous pain from the pressure my baby was putting on my nerve.

Michaela never wavered and did all to keep me comfortable. After delivery, she helped me in any way she could. She wrote out cards with our baby’s hand and footprints. She dressed my baby in the cutest outfit she could find and made sure any resources she had available were offered to our grieving family. Without Michaela, I don’t think I could bear another childbirth. She made our hospital stay one I won’t forget. She treated me like a family member. Her attention to detail, kindness, knowledge, and patient care are what I hope every nurse would exemplify. I could not recognize her enough. Michaela is one extraordinary human being!

With love,
A grieving mother.