Her warm smile and positive, comforting words wrapped around my heart at a time when I was drowning in the sadness and anxiety that accompany premature birth. The constant sound of the machines and seeing all the equipment attached to my baby were terrifying, and the whole situation felt overwhelming. She walked into the room so calmly and simply asked, “Who is this milk for? N?” I answered through my tears, “Yes, I'm N.”

In that moment, her gentle voice, her kind words, and the way she soothed and reassured me made me feel seen as a mother, not just as a case. She gave me strength I didn’t know I had and helped me to cross this difficult stage with more hope and courage.