It has taken me some time to write about my experience, however, I felt it important to recognize these two exceptional nurses for their tremendous work.
I experienced the tragic stillbirth of our first-born, beautiful baby girl. As a WakeMed employee, I was fortunate to be put in contact with Tiffany. Without knowing me, Tiffany called me to talk about my options and the differences between planning an induction vs a D&E. On the phone, she was professional, sympathetic, and very warm. When I arrived on the unit Tiffany greeted me with a big hug and walked us to our room which was at the end of the hallway so we wouldn't hear other mothers and their newborns. She walked us through every step of the process. I still remember her sitting at my bedside with an assortment of beautiful pink blankets and hats that I could choose to dress our baby girl in. It was such a special moment despite the sadness, and one I will always remember.
Tiffany has a very calming presence, and I felt such trust in her and knew we were in good hands. Before she left at the end of her shift, she introduced us to our night nurse, Jennifer. Tiffany told us we'd love her, and she was right. Jennifer, like Tiffany, was an exceptional nurse; sweet, empathetic, comforting, professional, and knowledgeable. Jennifer kept me as calm and comfortable as possible and made sure my husband and I were well taken care of and quickly available anytime we needed her. Shortly after midnight, I delivered our baby girl. I remember being so afraid to see her, for fear that seeing her would only make our pain worse. Jennifer and my OB walked us through seeing her for the first time. One of my fondest memories that night was waking up to hearing Jennifer talking in the sweetest voice to our baby girl as she gently removed her from the cuddle cot to get her tiny hand and footprints. I remember hearing Jennifer say, 'Hi sweet girl' as she picked up our baby. She never treated our baby or us as though we were different.
The next day we left the hospital in the late afternoon. Leaving our baby at the hospital was the moment I dreaded the most. I remember telling Tiffany how fearful I was about leaving her behind. As we gathered our belongings to leave, we were greeted in our room by a familiar face. Tiffany, on her day off, stopped by the hospital to support us in that moment and walk us to our car. That gesture meant so much to us and I think it exemplifies Tiffany as a person and nurse. Tiffany and Jennifer are truly the most compassionate, caring, and loving individuals. I hope they know what a difference they have made in our lives. We will always think fondly of them and are grateful for the exceptional care while navigating the heartbreaking loss of our baby girl.