After having quite the birth story at another hospital an hour away from Columbia, I soon realized that Prisma Health Richland would become my new home for a while. I am a mother of 2 other children who were born full-term and were able to go home with me 2 days later. I grew more nervous and afraid every day with the thought of my newborn's life hanging in the balance.
After my release from the hospital, I made the 70-mile drive to Prisma Health's NICU to see my baby. I usually went during the day, but one day I decided to come at night. I heard the nurses talking but one nurse's voice stood out to me. She sounded like she was having the time of her life in a place that can be quite depressing for some. Jodi's vibe and energy rubbed off on the other nurses around her and for the first time, I smiled in the NICU.
After 2 weeks of driving back and forth from home, I was finally able to stay in the Ronald McDonald House across the street from the hospital. I went to see my baby once in the morning and once at night. I hoped that Jodi would be our nurse. Then, one night after my baby had multiple surgeries, Jodi was finally our nurse. I knew my baby was in good hands.
The next night, she was our nurse again and I said something to her about her socks. Her replay humanized her in a way that made me feel so comfortable. I felt I could go to her for anything - and I did.
Jodi was very honest and thorough with me about everything that was going on with my child. One day, in particular, she asked if I wanted to hold my child after 3 weeks of not being able to hold him at all. My baby had IV"s in every extremity and a breathing tube down his throat. Jodi figured out a way for me to be able to hold him. Those were the best 10 minutes I have ever experienced.
Jodi helped me realize a few things during our stay in the NICU. The first thing was that I am still a Mom. Whether my child is in the NICU or at home, I am still a Mom and I can do what is best for my baby in all circumstances. Jodi also helped me not to set too many limits. She helped me to treat my child just like my other children. She helped me to remember not to limit baby no matter the diagnosis. My child will show me what he is capable of and if I limit him, I'll never know. Not only did these lessons help me in the NICU, but they also helped me in my personal life as well.
After spending 68 days in the NICU, I received one of the best Mother's Day gifts I could receive - we got to go home! I am sad that any family has to be there, but I thank everyone for making our stay more bearable.
While I enjoyed every nurse, doctor, social worker, technician, therapist, and staff member, I came in contact with at the NICU, Jodi Pamic left a lasting impact on my family that I'll never forget.