I gave birth to my third child this year in October. There were complications during labor that caused me so much pain in recovery. I am normally an incredibly active person, and it is normal for me to be going on jogs just one week after delivery. This time I could not get out of bed due to so much back pain and a spinal headache from an epidural tear- not your typical postpartum patient. I am not normally one to complain about physical pain unless it is something important. The pain (mental and physical) was wearing on me. Then, Faith stepped in. She entered the room with such a calming presence and really listened to me. I felt like she really believed my pain. She went above and beyond to search for solutions and called my doctor to see if I could get some muscle relaxers to help me cope. Her soft yet strong presence encouraged me. I was afraid to even drink water in fear of getting up to go to the bathroom. She softly reminded me that it would be good for me to hydrate and continue to move and not stay bedridden. She didn't shame or scold me but inspired me.
Faith worked with my husband to help me. She would grab one side and my husband would grab the other getting me out of bed. I've never been in such a vulnerable situation as I could not even stand by myself. She helped me pull up my underwear, clean me up, and held my baby as I nursed. Somehow, she did all of that while preserving my dignity- even in those most humble positions. To go from a healthy, proud person who is a "do it yourselfer", it was a tough time for me as I did not feel as though I could fully enjoy my son and really engage with my other two small children. Faith was integral in my recovery and was such a light for me during this unexpected time of major healing.
She could've done so much less and still fulfilled her job description. She could've not helped me do tasks that most postpartum nurses don't have to do. She could've not thought outside the box and call my doctor in search of options to help my recovery. She could've not shown so much empathy. But, she did. She is one of a kind, and it brings me to tears when I think of all that she has done for me. She is a true DAISY Nurse.