Erin was the nurse who confirmed a posterior cleft palate for our daughter, L. For context, prior to being born, our daughter tested at a high risk for 22Q deletion syndrome, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome. The pregnancy was difficult and extremely stressful when L was born. The pediatrician initially did not see the cleft, and we were told that everything looked great/normal. While attempting to breast-feed, we noticed that it was difficult for L and that she made a lot of sucking sounds as if she wasn’t able to create a seal. The nurses we had were extremely friendly and helpful, and often encouraged us that some newborns just need to be taught and just need some time. In the back of my mind, I kept wondering if something else was the matter, and I knew that children with 22Q deletion often have palate issues.

When Erin came in to be our night nurse, she had looked at L’s charts and was already very interested in investigating further. She suggested trying to feed L with formula through a bottle just to see if she could have a more successful feeding that way. She did much better with this, but we still noticed the sucking noise, and we experimented with a few different nipples. Suddenly, L aspirated the formula out of her nose. Something that I had heard is common in children with cleft palates. I mentioned the potential 22Q diagnosis and my background knowledge about cleft palates and nasal aspirations. Without hesitation, Erin took L and started to inspect her mouth. She saw the cleft right away and explained that it was posterior, which is probably why it was missed twice - they likely weren't looking in that location. Erin left and came back with a special needs feeder for L, which seemed to help immediately.

Later that night, Erin came back to check on us, making sure we were okay after this discovery. Although I had been suspicious of this the entire time, I became very emotional. Erin embraced me as my emotions overtook me and told me that I had known all along, and that everything would be okay. At that point, I was crying pretty noticeably, and she made me feel acknowledged and supported. As I recount that moment, I have tears in my eyes once more. Erin not only showed professionalism and attention to detail, but also helped me to work through my emotions with our discovery that basically confirmed the 22Q diagnosis, which was confirmed a few days later. Because of her diligence, we were able to obtain an ENT referral promptly and set L on the right path. She was only our nurse for one night shift, but I will never forget her intuition, investigation, and compassion in a very stressful and scary moment for me as a mother.