Heather was my night nurse for my first two nights in the hospital following the birth of my son via C-section. I was scared, I was hurting, I had no idea where to even begin my breastfeeding journey… but Heather knew exactly what to do and where to start. She came at regular intervals to change my linens/pads and made sure I felt clean, she frequently and adequately assessed and treated my pain not only with medication, but also kindness and grace which is everything I needed in that moment. She could see how tired I was and had watched me struggle to find a good feeding position - she not only took the time to show me different positions that were more effective, but she also made sure I had every possible advantage as far as resources available to me (haka pump, syringes, lanolin cream, hydrogel pads, etc) and that I knew exactly how to use them and what not to do. She took her time with me when she didn’t have to, spent time in my room teaching me things about my baby, and literally met every need I had while working tirelessly to ensure that I also had everything I didn’t know I needed. She encouraged me when I felt like giving up. “You’re a rockstar; you’re doing everything right, Mama. Just keep going!” She made sure my husband and my family were comfortable at my bedside, and even took it upon herself to watch my baby after I fed him AT THE NURSES STATION so that I could take an uninterrupted nap! The positive impact that she made on my mental health and the well-being of my baby is immeasurable, and no amount of praise or recognition will ever be enough to express my gratitude.

My son ended up having some complications related to his circumcision, and not only was she SUPER knowledgeable about how to care for the wound, but she insisted that I call her to my bedside upon every diaper change because she could see how nervous I was and how heartbroken I was as a mother who didn’t want to inflict pain on her child. “It’s ok” she said, “call me when you have to change him and we will do everything together.” That reassurance that I wasn’t alone was priceless, and it’s a gesture that I will NEVER forget. She is truly an inspiration to me not only as a mother but also as a nurse - her compassion, empathy, and love for her calling at the bedside are truly remarkable, and she is an invaluable asset to the postpartum unit and the nursing profession as a whole. Thank you, Heather, from the bottom of my heart.