I was transferred from home to CMH by ambulance after delivering my daughter via home birth. I had suffered a postpartum hemorrhage and retained placenta and needed a D&C to remove the placenta, followed by two blood transfusions.
While I was in surgery, Megan Rodarte of the Labor and Delivery unit moved logistical and administrative mountains to admit my newborn daughter to the hospital and minimize the mother and baby separation that occurred during my surgery and recovery.
It may seem like a small thing, but it was huge for me and my family. It allowed our breastfeeding journey to start as well as it could. It allowed me the peace of mind of knowing my daughter was okay while I had the blood transfusions I needed. It allowed a little bit of normalcy during a time that was anything but normal.
Most of all, this spoke volumes to me about the value Ms. Rodarte places on minimizing mother and baby separation and advocating for patients who arrive on the unit in unusual circumstances. Ms. Rodarte didn't have to do this, especially during Covid times, but she did it anyway.
Having someone step up for me during a vulnerable time the way Ms. Rodarte did was truly a gift, one for which I am very grateful.
As a Labor and Delivery Nurse myself, I was reminded how important these "little things" we do are, and what a ripple effect they can have.
Thank you Ms. Rodarte for advocating for me and my baby that morning! I will never forget what you did.