Nicole Bellinger, RN

To explain why Nicole deserves the DAISY Award, I’ll begin with some background. I had planned on having a baby in my early thirties. It was going to be a glorious experience with all the love and fanfare that comes with having a baby. However, following several rounds of fertility treatments, personal loss, and ultimately the dissolution of my marriage years later, I came to understand that my life and circumstances were unfolding along an unexpected trajectory. I was told I could never conceive. Like many women, I anticipated having a family and a traditional lifestyle, but as I entered my forties, I adjusted to living as a single person.

Fast forward a bit, I met a wonderful man! Just before turning 41, we learned we were expecting and felt thrilled. We found out we were having a baby boy! We picked his name, we bought a new house and decorated his nursery!

It was determined that I developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy, and our son remained in a breech position throughout its duration. We continued to rejoice, plan, and celebrate, even with the hiccups along the way. As an expectant mother, I was hoping for at least one aspect of the process to proceed as planned. However, each plan was replaced by another plan. Although my initial preference was for a natural, vaginal delivery, it became clear by late February that he would be delivered via Cesarean section. Although neither my delivery nor my recovery proceeded as anticipated, the arrival of our healthy baby boy was ultimately a positive outcome.

Upon review, the DAISY Award is designed to formally recognize and express deep appreciation for the significant contributions made by nurses. It is meant to recognize excellence in clinical care and compassion.

In the hours and days after the birth of our son, I felt everything from extreme gratitude to excruciating pain. I did not know how to balance everything I was feeling, both physically and emotionally, while looking at the precious newborn next to my hospital bed.

Not only did my nurse care for me with patience and understanding, but I also felt that she truly felt what I was feeling too. At my core, I trusted her reassurance when she took my hand, met my gaze, and promised that circumstances would improve. She affirmed that it was reasonable to feel frustrated when life diverged from established expectations, while also expressing confidence that a positive outcome was still possible.

In addition, she anticipated my needs before I could even articulate them. For example, she helped me feel human by assisting me in taking a shower when I was too embarrassed and uncomfortable to do so alone. She was so patient while I was fumbling through trying to breastfeed. She engaged in an essential discussion with me regarding my pain management and self-expectations, which proved to be one of the most significant conversations I experienced at that time.

Gratitude does not even begin to describe what I felt for my nurse in those days. She gave me a safe space to ask for help in postpartum. She made me feel confident and hopeful. She made me feel loved and human. She helped me be a better mom from the very beginning.

For all the reasons above, I nominated Nicole Bellinger for the DAISY Award. She is an exceptional nurse and human. I appreciate and thank the entire staff at The First Impressions Birthing Center; they are such a special group of people.

I thank Nicole for her words of encouragement and care, which continue to stay with me long after hospital discharge. Nicole’s patient care truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award.