Ashli was my nurse overnight. I had found out that morning at my 20-week appointment that my baby girl no longer had a heartbeat. I made the difficult decision to be induced and was brought in that night to start the process. I had asked for a repeat ultrasound to confirm she was gone before beginning the induction. My request was granted.
Once we had confirmation, Ashli walked me through what the next steps would be. Ashli was very patient with me and waited until I was ready to begin the induction. Through the night I had several emotional breakdowns, and she was right there every time to comfort me with kind words and more warm blankets. She checked on me frequently because she knew I couldn't sleep.
Ashli always explained everything that was about to take place and patiently waited for me to make decisions. I was never rushed. My water eventually broke right at shift change and she refused to leave my side until my baby was born. Ashli stayed well past her shift to support me despite having an hour's drive home. I will never forget what she did for me that day and for what she did for my family. I lived through my worst nightmare and despite everything, it was a positive experience because of Ashli. She took the time to get to know me as a person rather than a patient. Ashli calmed my fears and treated me with such dignity. I will forever be grateful to Ashli for the kindness she showed me that day. I never understood how women survive losing babies, but we survive because of the comfort and compassion shown by our nurses.