I recently gave birth to my third child via c-section. Her name is K and she was born at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The birth was my third c-section and the procedure initially went very smoothly. My mother-baby nurse was Abigail. She introduced herself with a beautifully cheerful demeanor and told us she was pregnant with her second child. From the very beginning, I was so impressed by Abigail's attitude! It's hard enough to care for oneself while pregnant, let alone do it for others all day. 

My story of Abigail going above and beyond and making a meaningful difference in my life begins about 24 hours after my c-section. Abigail had just switched out with the night nurse and was going over everything with me. She told me my blood levels came back drastically lower than before the surgery. Because I had lost very little blood during the surgery and thus far afterward, my doctor questioned the blood levels and asked for Abigail to test them again because maybe there was an error with the first test the night nurse performed. Abigail immediately explained that because I had an IV going, it was possible for the blood to become diluted. I was thankful for the information she volunteered without me prompting her! After she sent the blood to the lab, she told me I could get up and take a shower. I was incredibly sore from the surgery, and she helped me get to the bathroom and take everything off. This required her to be on her hands and knees in the bathroom - while pregnant! I could not believe the humility and abundant kindness she was displaying to help me take a shower. Unfortunately, the shower was broken, so I took a cold shower and, within minutes, was barely able to stand because of an incredible pain in my abdomen. When Abigail came in to check on me, I explained that the water had been freezing and I was experiencing substantial pain. She immediately helped me back to the bed and then, to my surprise, went to check on the shower! I know she had countless other tasks requiring her time and attention, but she said the shower was definitely broken, and she would get maintenance to look at it as soon as possible! It might not seem like an important detail, but after giving birth, one of the most life-giving experiences is taking a shower! For Abigail to care about the smallest details, like warm water, was a perfect testament to her kindhearted nature and willingness to go above and beyond. But that was just the beginning! 

My second blood test came back with the same, low results. At this point, Abigail explained to me that there were really only two options - either the blood test was wrong, or I was bleeding internally. Again, I did not have to prompt Abigail for this information, she was simply able to sympathize with me and give me the information she knew I needed. My doctor ordered a CT scan to check for internal bleeding, and it was confirmed that I needed to have an emergency follow-up surgery to remove the blood from my abdomen and search for a possible source. They immediately started me on a blood transfusion, and at this point, it was Friday around noon. I was breastfeeding K when there was a knock at the door. Abigail checked and it was the transport team ready to take me for surgery. However, I had told Abigail I really needed to use the bathroom after K finished feeding. Without hesitation, Abigal told the transport team that they would need to wait because I was not ready yet. Apparently, the surgery team would get to go home after my surgery, so they were eager to be done for the weekend. Instead of caving to the pressure of peers who wanted to go home, Abigail stood strong in her convictions of caring for K and me! Not only did she allow me to take my time and finish feeding my baby, but she also helped me go to the bathroom again! 

The final and most beautiful part of my story of Abigail comes right before they wheeled me out of the room to surgery. It was a hustle and bustle and completely overwhelming in my postpartum state. I handed my newborn baby over to my husband and kissed him goodbye. I was feeling incredibly anxious, exhausted, and scared at this point. I was about to go into emergency surgery after substantial blood loss. I remember tears streaming down my face when I couldn’t hold them in any longer. Abigail grabbed my hand, sat on the bed, and said, “L, do you believe in the Lord? Can I pray for you?” I said absolutely yes! She said, “I know how I would feel in your situation!” and began to pray. Her prayer was beautiful, heartfelt, and truly uplifting for my spirit. I believe she intervened on my behalf with the Lord in that moment and I will be forever grateful. 

The follow up surgery went well. We were relieved and so thankful. Abigail took on another half shift and stayed with me until midnight that night, even though she had to be up early the next morning for her son’s soccer game. By this point of knowing Abigail, I was humbled at her willingness to take on extra hours and care for me, but not surprised at all. She is an absolute gem of a human being, and she will forever be part of our story. I will tell everyone of how she communicated with me, intervened on my behalf, prayed for me, and loved me! She is the epitome of a nurse who went above and beyond and deserves to be recognized among the best in her profession!