A baby was admitted to the NICU from 29 Palms because of apparent seizures that were noted at referring facility, 15 minutes after birth. Transport team who went to pick up the neonate also noted apparent seizures when they arrived. Carla observed that mom had been faithful in visiting and calling for updates on her baby. Carla determined that mom personally needed support and an advocate for her baby. So on the ninth day of admission, Carla started to primary the baby.
Tests after tests were done on the baby to find a reason for her seizure and they saw what appeared to be an infarct was a tumor which they also found in several different parts of the body. The patient went from being on room air to needing a supported ventilation and having more seizures. Carla was the patient's and mom's support during all these times. The mom, seeing what is happening to her baby and hearing what is being said during multidisciplinary meetings, decided it was time to withdraw support and give her baby rest. After support was withdrawn, mom held her baby close with Carla by her side. Several times it seemed the baby was going to pass but every time she took a deep breath her heart rate would go back to normal rate. After more than seven times of these episodes, the mom expressed she couldn't stand to see more of these happening and excused herself from the bedside. Carla assured her that her baby would not die alone. Carla held the baby as if she was her own with Cheryl giving her some breaks. Noel, a team leader sang softly for the baby while they held her. Four hours after Carla started to cradle the baby, the baby passed peacefully and without pain in her arms. They called the mom back and she said her goodbye.
Two weeks after the baby died, mom came back and sought Carla to thank her for being her support and providing her baby the best care she could. She felt Carla gave them love and not just the routine patient care.