In October, I was rushed to the Labor and Delivery unit at Piedmont Columbus Midtown for preterm labor. It soon became apparent that the labor was not going to stop, and my baby was going to be born too prematurely to live and would pass away shortly after birth.

My nurses moved quickly and competently to provide comfort, both physically and emotionally, and stayed by my side through labor and the birth of my son. He was born into a room full of loving hands and quickly placed on my chest, where we stayed heartbeat to heartbeat for four hours until he passed away. 

I did not have any support people with me, and while I was alone, I never felt alone. They held space and shared my grief through each unbearable moment of that day and the days that followed. These incredible nurses also held me together and kept me upright as I recovered in the labor and delivery unit, ensuring I received the critical care I needed after hemorrhaging, and as I said my final goodbyes to my sweet baby. 

I could not have gotten through this time without the expertise, love, and support of my care team. My darkest, most trying times are remembered with love and peace because of the care they gave, and I am, and I will be, forever grateful for everything they did for us during my stay.