Robyn was the lactation nurse who worked with and assisted me with breastfeeding my son J, who was born prematurely. Our story of having a premature infant has been different than most. J was born at a different hospital out of state. The hospital did not realize some of the challenges J would face as a preemie and sent us home. The next day, we were admitted into York Hospital for an extensive stay while J overcame jaundice, grew stronger, gained weight and practiced breast and bottle feeding. Having a newborn is a wonderful, yet very stressful time. Having a preemie that struggles to eat and grow is even more taxing. The overwhelming emotions I faced being post-partum and worried about J's health were all-consuming.
I'll never forget the second night we spent at York Hospital. Robyn was called in to assist me with breast feeding and some other feeding challenges we were having. She jumped right into action, making sure I started using a hospital grade pump and gathered all the supplies and heating compresses I might need to help my milk supply. She didn't disregard my feelings or worries, but listened and helped me, educating me on the best way to hold J while feeding him, how to pump breast milk effectively, and how long J should be feeding. She showed me techniques on how to keep J awake while eating and to know when he has a good latch. It was absolutely amazing to have an expert in this field to assist me in feeding J.
Robyn told me on that first night she would continue to check in with me and J, assisting with feedings, and that is exactly what she did. She made it a point to check in daily to see his progress, troubleshoot any new concerns, and allowed me to bounce ideas on how to better J's feeds. I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort knowing I had someone helping us who specialized in lactation support for premature infants. Her guidance worked miracles and J began to thrive and take more and better breast feeds each day!
Robyn's encouragement and support, as well as expertise in her field of lactation consulting for premature infants, has allowed me to do what is best for my son. Because of her, I am able to give him one of the greatest gifts; the ability to breastfeed, even when his little body and mind wasn't able to do it like a full-term newborn. I'll never forget the support she gave us. Now I am able to take what she taught me and use it at home, where I can be confident that J is breastfeeding correctly and growing stronger and stronger each day.
I would like to thank the Barnes family for allowing us to recognize nurses who make a difference and change our lives in unforgettable ways. It is my utmost pleasure to nominate Robyn Noll for this award.
Thank you.