I was admitted to Maternity with ruptured membranes. I was only 32 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Scared, knowing that I had to stay until my baby was born, I knew what to expect for myself, but I had no idea what to expect for my premature baby. We had to just take it day by day.
Waiting and wondering, I got to meet Dr. H and he explained many things; what the baby could go through, what to expect and most importantly not to worry. After our meeting, I felt better, but still very nervous.
On Thursday I was hooked up to the baby monitor. From that moment I could tell something wasn't right. My baby's heart rate would go from the 170s and drop drastically to the 90s-100s. My nurses told me that it was time. They called Dr. B in and I was prepped for my C-section. Upon entering the OR, I was introduced to a great team of people.
From anesthesia to all of the assisting nurses and then to the NICU nurses that awaited the arrival of my preemie. Meanwhile, my nurses from maternity never left my side. They stayed with me, holding my hands and reassuring me that everything would be ok. I believed them. In my head, I knew I would be fine in the care of all of these wonderful people. I still worried about my baby.
Dr. B came in and the C-section started. Before long, Dr. B held up my baby. A beautiful baby boy! He went directly over the NICU team. It was then I heard the most amazing sound. My baby boy was not only breathing on his own but crying! Crying loudly! I felt so much relief at that second. He was washed up and A held him up high for all of us to see him. Daddy got to cut his umbilical cord and I got to steal a quick kiss before he was whisked away to the NICU.
My surgery finished and I was taken back to my room. I knew I had to rest, begin to heal, etc. But I couldn't. My baby boy, B was over in the NICU alone without Mommy and Daddy. My nurses could tell I couldn't rest. I needed to see him, so they took me over. It was then that I learned that B had the most amazing NICU nurse, Christine Kavelak. She was the nurse that B went to right after birth. She helped Daddy cut his cord, gave B to Daddy to hold and for me to give him his first kiss. After talking with her, seeing and touching B, I could rest. I knew at that moment that I had nothing to worry about. B was in the best hands! I felt like I had known Christine forever. We clicked. I not only felt comfortable with her, I completely trusted her with my son's life. I knew B was receiving the best care with her by his bedside.
Christine not only has an abundance of knowledge to pass on, but she also has a huge heart. You can truly see that she loves her job and all of the babies she cares for. We connected on so many levels and have so much in common.
During B's NICU stay we had the best of times (not a lot of people can say that). Christine was there, making it easy for us. From helping with his first bath to teaching us (now parents of 4) how to deal and care for our tiny baby boy. She not only took care of B; she took care of me too.
B got to come home. That day was very bittersweet for me. I was excited to take our baby boy home, but also very nervous. A bigger part of me was sad. I was sad that we wouldn't get to see Christine anymore. She was a huge part of my son's life. Thankfully, she was the nurse that got to discharge us that day. It was a very emotional day for everyone. Not only was she the first nurse to take care of B, but now she was the one sending him home and out into this big world. She gave us our instructions, packed us up with all of his and our belongings and walked us out to our car. All the while we would occasionally cry. Mostly happy tears, but some sad because we were parting ways.
I could never repay her for all of her love, care and kindness she gave us. She is truly an amazing nurse and person. Before leaving that day, we took pictures of her holding B. In one of the pictures he is looking at her. I believe that he loves her. He knew how much she cared for him. He felt her love as we did. I am very thankful for Christine. She made the absolute scariest time of my life peaceful. For that, I am very grateful! She holds a very special place in my heart. We will never forget her!