In December while just over halfway through my pregnancy with my third child I suddenly felt a gush of fluid leaking. After happening again and alerting my doctor I was told to come to the hospital. I had no idea what was happening and to say I was scared is an understatement. I called ahead to let them know I was on my way. We arrived about ten minutes later and walked into the Family Birth Center. Kaitlin Ralston-Joynt was the first person we saw. She calmly greeted us and asked me a few questions.
The more fluid I lost, the more scared I got, and I just started bawling. Kaitlin quickly brought us into a triage room. I specifically remember her holding my arm and telling me, "It's ok, you are right where you are supposed to be." Those words have stuck with me. Although the hospital was not in my plans for that night her calm demeanor helped me to try to relax.
It still didn't hit me what had happened until she asked me what time I thought my water broke. Hearing those words and knowing I was only 25 weeks along - barely over the viability standards of most hospitals - I started bawling again. That was one of the scariest moments of my life, but Kaitlin never left my side that night - and carefully explained everything that was going to happen - my IV meds, steroid shot and the fern test to confirm amniotic fluid.
While we waited for the test results to come back, Kaitlin continued to be there for us bringing me a drink and snacks and answering any questions we had. The test results came back shortly that confirmed my amniotic sac had ruptured. I remember Kaitlin walking in and calmly telling me, "You get to take a little ride tonight." "I'm going on an ambulance to Iowa City, aren't I?" "Yes, but I get to come with you. I told you I would take care of you tonight and I'm not letting anyone else take over now."
It took me awhile to process what was happening and understand that I was leaving for an unknown length of time. That was very scary for me and the hardest part was knowing I had two other little kids at home. She stayed with me while my husband left to go home and pack a bag. When it came time to go in the ambulance I was so thankful Kaitlin was there with me since my husband couldn't ride along. Besides the bumpy ride, the ambulance ride was surprisingly calm.
As we chatted for the whole ride about our families, the holidays and life in general, for a second, I almost forgot what had happened and where I was. Less than two hours later we had arrived at UIHC. After getting me into my labor and delivery room, Kaitlin gave my new nurse handoff and gave me a hug goodbye. I cried, again, I was very sad to see her leave as she had been so great to me and that constant comfort. I remember the UI nurse later told me that that was the best handoff she had ever been given as it was very detailed which helped make her job much easier.
Fast forward and I ended up being inpatient at UIHC for 49 days before delivering my healthy-4 pound-baby boy at almost 32 weeks. Throughout those 7 weeks, I stayed in contact with Kaitlin through messages. After our son L was born we were in the NICU at UIHC for 2 weeks before transferring back "home" to CMC's NICU. It was so nice to be back in a familiar place, with familiar faces.
One morning while I was at home before coming in to be with L in the hospital I got sick and knew I couldn't come be with him that day. I was devastated knowing he wouldn't have any visitors that day. I called the unit to let them know I wouldn't be in and it was Kaitlin who answered. I hadn't actually "talked" to her since leaving the ambulance that night. I was crying on the phone telling her I was sick and couldn't come in that day. She told me not to worry that L was in great hands and that if she had a chance that night she would stop in and hold him if that was okay with me. That night she sent me a picture of her holding L and telling me he drank half his bottle. This may have seemed like a small gesture to her, but she has no idea how much that picture meant to me. I was sad thinking L wouldn't get held much that day so to see he was getting held and loved on by someone who means so much to me made my whole day.
I know that some of these things might seem very simple, and she would say she was "just doing her job" but I will be forever grateful that she was working that night. I will never forget the care and compassion I was shown on one of the scariest nights of my life. I feel so blessed that my story had a happy ending and I can't thank her enough for being a part of that.