I arrived at labor and delivery for a scheduled NST. I was 34 weeks and 1 day pregnant with my beautiful baby girl, K. The nurses were having a hard time finding her heartbeat. My heart sunk to my stomach because this was never an issue and she was moving all weekend. Sadly, my worst fear was confirmed by an ultrasound. I saw my baby girl, and her heart was silent. I had no family in Missouri. The wonderful staff let me stay there until I could gather the strength to drive home. My family flew to be with me, all within 24 hours. I was scheduled to be induced two days later to allow time for my support to be by my side. My parents and siblings all went with me, we don't travel in small packs. There were 9 in total. That morning was when I met the brightest, kindness nurse, Connie Judd-Sullivan. My angel was already watching over me and sent this amazing light into my life. Connie not only took the time to get to know me, she knew the names of my support team as well! Connie sat and talked me through everything that I was about to face. I was heartbroken and scared, but she got my family and me through it all. Not only did she come in to make sure I was okay, but she took the time and explained everything to me. She helped organize a photographer, a support organization (Addison's Grace), and so much more. These were absolutely not things I've thought about or could imagine that I even wanted at that moment in time. Now, I am thankful every day, I have such beautiful memories and photos of my daughter. My mindset was so focused on bringing my daughter into the world, knowing I could not take her home or even see her open her little eyes to look at me. Connie took care of so many things and truly went above and beyond what is required of a nurse. I never heard of a cooling cot before that week, but Connie ensured that I had it by my side. I was able to spend four days with my baby girl. The amount this helps for the grieving process could never be put on a scale. Even though I didn't experience my daughter the way most moms do, waking up next to my daughter and being able to give her a kiss still melts my heart every day. Connie took a tragic situation and made it into the most beautiful and memorable experience that I could not have imagined.
The way she treated me and my daughter was amazing. She was so gentle and kind to K. She helped me when I was nervous to pick her up. She would come in the room right away and place K in my arms or help me clean her up. She didn't hesitate. She treated my daughter with nothing but compassion and helped me with everything. Connie will always have not only a place in my heart but in the hearts of my entire family. I had the most wonderful team of nurses at WMMC and I will forever be thankful.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a difficult moment be turned into such an experience.