Two weeks ago, we had a patient with a 28-week fetal demise admitted for induction of labor. After a multi-day induction, she had a vaginal delivery of her stillborn baby. The baby was very swollen and somewhat macerated due to the circumstances.
Amanda took the baby and wrapped her up so that mom could hold her. Amanda took pictures of mom and the baby and then took the baby and did foot and handprints.
When I saw the patient in the office two weeks later, she commented on the compassion and caring of Amanda. She stated, "You could tell it affected her, but she was wonderful." The patient was extremely grateful for the care given to her stillborn daughter and herself. In the moment, she wasn't sure about pictures being taken and was rightfully overwhelmed but felt like Amanda was able to help her cope with what had happened and how she is very grateful she has those pictures to remember her daughter.
Events like these are very difficult for our staff, and I just wanted to acknowledge the wonderful job they do. They help make unbearable things a little more bearable. Amanda did that for this patient and her husband.