Recently, I gave birth to my first baby, our son M, at Evergreen's birthing center.
Three days after he was born, he was re-admitted to Evergreen's NICU for observation following a frightening episode where his skin color had become ashen and his lips were turning blue. I'm very happy to report that our worries were calmed after a significant assessment was provided at Evergreen's NICU and it was determined there was no cause for concern.
But what originally had brought us back into Evergreen was the reality that my breast milk had not "come in" adequately. That Thursday, when M was admitted, we were coming from an appointment where a lactation specialist had instructed me in how to add to my son's feeding with supplemental nutrition.
As a new mom, it was very difficult for me to have M in the NICU, and I was now experiencing the vulnerability of having a newborn facing a new set of challenges and uncertainties.
Yet over those very anxious and worrisome two-and-a-half days of testing, I was deeply grateful for the NICU staff and how truly supportive and responsive they proved to be. The team encouraged me to pump and be patient. I was reassured and comforted by a very capable and loving team of professionals. But what was the standout experience for me was Nikki, who acted as our night shift nurse over both nights.
During those long nights, while alone with my thoughts, I experienced real anxiety as to how I could adequately and appropriately feed my son with this supplemental approach as well as using all the extra tools I now needed to employ. Each night Nikki would come in and assist me. Patiently, she taught me how I could do it by myself. Nikki empathetically shared some of her own personal experiences of being a new mom and lessons she had learned along the way.
Nikki was the very support I needed through our NICU journey and my initial challenges in being a new mom. Thankfully all of M's tests came back as normal, but the knowledge and support Nikki provided to me gave me the confidence to go home and feel that I could thrive as a great mom. No words can truly express the confidence I gained from those few days in the NICU with Nikki's special touch and guidance. She went above and beyond what was required as a nurse.
Today, seven weeks later, I recognize that if it weren't for the NICU team and Nikki's nightly support and "pep talks," I would not have done as well as I have with my son. I found the strength and encouragement I needed, and I attribute this to my caring conversations with Nikki.