Katie received a call from a parent who had been discharged home with her baby at the lactation center located at the UAB Women & Infants Center. The mother stated she was having trouble getting the baby to breastfeed and would not take any pumped milk. She requested to see Barbara, who took care of her in the hospital, so Katie told the mom to come in as soon as possible. When the mom arrived, Barbara was busy with another patient, so Katie escorted the mother and her child to a patient room until Barbara could get there.

Katie continued to ask about the baby’s feedings, and the mother stated the baby had not eaten well since they left the hospital. Katie weighed the baby and noticed that the baby’s color, tone, and breathing seemed abnormal. Barbara arrived shortly after and agreed that the baby did not appear well. Barbara went to get a provider from the Newborn Nursery, who quickly came to the patient’s room to assess the baby. The provider determined that the baby needed to go to the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama immediately and called ahead to alert their staff. Barbara escorted the family and their baby to Children’s of Alabama, and then she stayed with the family until the baby began receiving care. Later, Barbara received a call from the mother, who wanted to thank her for listening and assisting in the care of her child. Barbara later discovered that the baby had a rare heart condition.

I am so thankful to work with a great group of lactation consultants who go the extra mile to make sure our patients get the very best care possible.