When my baby came seven weeks early landing her in the NICU with IVs, oxygen, and a feeding tube, I thought my dreams of breastfeeding were over. I didn't get to do skin to skin at birth or nurse her within the first hour of her life. I didn't even get to hold her until she was 16 hours old. To hasten our discharge from the NICU, we chose to give pumped bottles since she was unable to complete a feeding by nursing. After two weeks we came home, and I wanted to nurse, but I didn't even know where to start, especially given the growth goal of an ounce per day. That's when I contacted Nancy. Nancy was encouraging and optimistic and gave me the confidence to start my breastfeeding journey. Nancy not only came up with a plan to introduce breastfeeding sessions and substitute nursing for bottles until we finally achieved "exclusive breastfeeding" status, but she helped me recognize when my baby was experiencing reflux, calmed my worries about her umbilical hernia, and even showed me how to adjust the car seat as the baby girl grew. Nancy seemed just as genuinely excited as I was to see my preemie baby gain weight each week, and when we graduated from weekly visits, Nancy made sure we knew that we were always welcome to come back or call with concerns. She even gave me tips about how to make breastfeeding and pumping easier when I returned to work.
I went from having a team of doctors and nurses in the NICU dictating cares and schedules with my baby to being at home alone, charged with her care and concerned that I would do something to land us back in the hospital. Nancy was my weekly support, my breastfeeding cheerleader, and my reassurance that all was well. I would joke that my daughter and I had arrived for our weekly "lunch date" - and our sessions felt like that; a visit with a friend. I cannot thank Nancy enough for the help and guidance she provided. When I cuddle my baby close to nurse her and she looks into my eyes and nestles in deeper and holds me with her tiny fingers, I know that I am being blessed with this experience because of Nancy. Nancy is knowledgeable and passionate about her field and kind to those seeking her services. Nancy, you are wonderful. We owe you big!