Our son was born and on day 3 was diagnosed with jaundice. The doctors flew into action, but my husband and I were left speechless. What did that mean? What were the outcomes? What could we do? We were lost...but God heard our prayers, and our next nurse was Danielle. She explained everything and worked non-stop to get our son the medical lights he needed. She worked over 2 hours late to make sure we had what we needed. We hoped we would continue to be blessed by her.
We ended up being in the hospital for a week and were blessed to have Danielle 3 more times. Every time we knew we could breathe, and everything would be explained. We were in the best of care. She wasn't just there for our son; she was there for us.
She made sure we knew every option on things like lactation and treatment. She made sure my husband and I were eating and resting when we could. On day 5, Danielle arranged for me to take a short walk since I hadn't been outside. When I was discharged before my son, she made every effort she could to make sure all 3 of us could stay. She became like family and gave us the peace we desperately needed.
The day we went home was bittersweet. I was elated after a week to get my baby home but knew I likely wouldn't get to see Danielle again. She helped pack us up, said goodbye, and sent us off. When we got home and unpacked the diaper bag, there was a wonderful note of encouragement about our teamwork and ability as parents. It sits on my kitchen counter and on the bad days I read it again.
Danielle was the second greatest blessing we could have received behind our son. In what could have been a very sad and trying time, she was a force of hope and light. She continually advocated for us and every time I think of her I thank God. She is exactly the kind of nurse everyone hopes for and we were beyond blessed to know her.