Kayla was our nurse during the worst day of my life, but thanks to her kind and compassionate care, I left Mercy Hospital in West Des Moines with a profound sense of peace.

My husband and I learned that our third child did not have a heartbeat at our 20-week ultrasound. We were devastated and heartbroken. Kayla was our nurse on the day that I delivered our stillborn son. She was extremely kind and caring, always taking the time to fully explain to me what she was doing, what the next steps would be, and what I would likely experience.

She sat with us and listened to all of my concerns, answered my many questions, and allowed me to grieve through all of it. She let us know that she too was saddened for out loss, and that it was ok to be sorrowful, as what we were going through was devastating. Kayla was respectful of my wishes for an unmedicated birth and also respected my labor by giving me the time I needed in between checking on me. When my labor got to a point where I was uncomfortable, she ran my bath for me and again talked me through what I would experience.

As I relaxed, I delivered my stillborn son. I hung my head and sobbed, my hair hanging down in my face. At this moment of sorrow and profound sadness, I felt Kayla pull my hair back and tie it up for me with her own ponytail off her wrist. I still have this ponytail. It symbolizes kindness and frankly the love for me at the worst moment of my life.

I can imagine that it may feel as if you drew the short straw the day that you are asked to help deliver a stillborn baby. You would never know by the love and compassion that Kayla showed my family that she thought this way at all. We are forever thankful that Kayla was our nurse the day we welcomed our precious son. I believe that her exceptional care, and extreme kindness, compassion, and love for a mother at her lowest make Kayla an excellent candidate for the DAISY Award.

Note: This is Kayla's 2nd DAISY Award!