Doreen's bedside manner was very meaningful to me. I had a difficult birth with an unexpected shoulder dystocia and my son also developed jaundice. Not only was I worried for my son's well-being but I had to have incredibly painful urinary catheters (short-term and a long-term Foley) placed three times due to a distended bladder while I was in the mother and baby unit. Additionally, I had a history of PTSD from a previous birth due to jaundice and its ramifications with my daughter and I was afraid I was heading into the same scenario with my son. Rather than dismiss my concerns and blame fatigue or hormones, Doreen took the time to validate my fears and listen without judgment. Although my postpartum experiences were not terribly complicated and the staff at St. Joe's was prepared to handle them, it is nevertheless worrisome for an anxious mother to be headed down the same road as my first birth. Doreen's compassionate care gave me the reassurance that I could get through it and handle the challenges that were coming my way. She took my concerns seriously and escalated them as needed. She held my hand while I cried a few times and also suggested she would accompany me on my first walk which helped me feel better both mentally and physically. She also escalated my distended bladder to my physician which ultimately limited the number of future catheterizations needed and resolved the issue in the end which I appreciate. I am grateful not only for her clinical skills but her compassion and empathy which went a long way for someone like me who needed both. Although it is part of her job as one might say she really went above and beyond with her care and as a result made my birth experience at St. Joe's a positive one and I will be forever grateful.

Note: This is Doreen's 2nd DAISY Award!