While recently attending a "moms of multiples" group I was discussing the many doctors' visits you endure while pregnant under my circumstances. Geriatric pregnancy, multiples, autoimmune disease... I was discussing the phenomenal teamwork that goes into a smooth pregnancy. How each entity, if working well, seems to help calm the nervous mom's mind. I had that. I had this support network that people dream of. I had Tina. When I mentioned Tina I immediately found out she was not only my secret, but she was some of theirs too. And so began the stories. The moms told MANY, but I will only tell mine. For 8 months I had Tina. I had a soothing, calm, and supportive voice on the other end of the phone. I even slipped a few times while calling and said, "my Tina". Some phone calls, I will admit, may have been unnecessary, but others I was always so thankful to hear these next words, "S, it's Tina, how can I help?" With high-risk pregnancy comes the fetal monitoring. Nurse after nurse would try and time after time I would hear "I am unable to get both babies" and then, "Go get Tina" and time after time, Tina would place the monitors on, explaining to the nurse her techniques and then we'd sit for the best 5 minutes of the day. We'd sit and I'd ask questions, hundreds of them!! Poor Tina. She never once rushed me or told me she was busy. I knew she was, but she was always there.
So, in this group, I realized as much as I would like to remember Tina as my own personal nurse, this situation was not just unique to MY multiple pregnancy. Others had Tina stories. All in appreciation, all with gratitude. And ALL included Tina assisting with fetal monitoring. I went into labor while driving to Target, and believe it or not, I called Tina!!!! These are not the only times I have needed to speak to "triage" but in all honesty, in the YEARS I have been going to my doctor, Tina has always been that amazing added bonus. That voice of reason or understanding on the other end of the phone!! Can you imagine??? A hundred or more PREGNANT WOMEN CALLING ON THE PHONE!! That alone should afford her a luncheon and a nomination for the greatest woman on earth!