I am M's mother and wanted to tell you about her story. M had been admitted to Bronson after her blood pressure was found to be above the safe limit for pregnancy. That is when we first met Sheryl. Sheryl really stood out to us because she was kind, and you could immediately tell she enjoyed her job. During M's stay she received a steroid shot to promote the lung development of baby A. While there, an ultrasound revealed that baby A was about 4-5 pounds. Sheryl explained the importance of keeping baby A in utero and made M feel hopeful that her baby was going to be all right. Because M was doing well on bed rest she was sent home and told to see the Obstetrician the next week for another blood pressure check.
M returned to the OB office and her blood pressure was high again that Monday. We were sent to Bronson to be admitted again. Sheryl was off that day and was asked to come in to care for M. At that time M was about 35 weeks pregnant and obviously still suffering from preeclampsia. M's blood pressure was sometimes normal, sometimes high and other times it was borderline. Sheryl had placed M on a monitor to measure contractions. Though M could not always feel her contractions, she was experiencing them. Baby A would not always respond well to the contractions that M could not feel. Baby A's heart rate would drop. Needless to say, we were rather frightened to see this happen on the monitor. Sheryl was the calming presence we needed. She spoke to us very calmly, very purposefully and with hope. She took M by the hand and sat down beside her and talked about the situation we found ourselves in. Sheryl took the time to explain all the possibilities that lay in front of us. We were told about the possibility of a C-section and all that it entailed. M was heartbroken that she may not be able to have a vaginal birth.
Sheryl talked to the doctor and they agreed to try to soften M's cervix with Cervidil. Sheryl is such a great patient advocate. She knew what M needed to hear and had the mindfulness to keep her patients safe. Sheryl again took the time to educate M on exactly what Cervidil is, how it is applied, and what to expect with this medication. She also kept asking M if she had questions. Sheryl really listened to M and was able to read M's non-verbal cues. Sheryl sensed when M was frightened and never failed to soothe her. Sheryl never made M feel that she was a pest for asking so many questions, and having to be so closely monitored for blood pressures, blood sugar checks, toileting, and educating all of our family about what was occurring and what the next steps may be.
M went on to have a C-section the next shift. The entire family felt they knew what to expect and how to handle the situation thanks to Sheryl. Sheryl was our light in a stormy place. We will always remember how she not only cared for M and A, but our entire family. Thank you, Sheryl so much for doing what you were meant to do!