Brooke was so patient and understanding with me. The first day we had Brooke for our baby's nurse was a hard day. I had already been struggling with the idea that I may not get my milk to come in and may not get to nurse my last baby. When we were told that our baby couldn't go home until she was eating and maintaining her "own", I was devastated. I had just spent the last two days pumping and trying to produce something. I bawled and felt defeated at the thought of supplementing with formula. I felt like such a failure. She took the time to talk with me, encourage me and educate me, but never once made me feel like I was an inconvenience or that I was a burden to her. She made me realize the difference I could make by helping my baby with a little bit of formula. She educated me on the supplemental bottle. She helped me to not be afraid. I was so afraid to fail and afraid that by giving formula I was giving up on all hopes to nurse. In fact, these thoughts were all wrong. She set me up with the supplemental bottle, helped me to get my baby to finally latch. By the end of the first feeding, I finally got to see my baby with her eyes open. Each feeding after, my baby became more and more alert. I continued to pump, along with allowing my baby to latch with each feeding. My milk is slowly coming and I can still give my baby the milk I pump. My baby is starting to thrive! I feel like a new mom, literally!
She didn't have to take the time with me like she did. She could have listened to my negative thoughts and just let me wallow in my own sadness. Brooke changed my whole outlook and attitude. She calmed my fear and anxiety. She stayed positive for me when I couldn't. If not for her, I would have given up on breastfeeding, I was ready to. My baby was maintaining on the IV but not thriving. She was hungry and needed to be fed, but I had my "plan." She is a true advocate for her patients and their families. She took care of both of us.
I will always remember her kindness, her smile, and how she turned our hospital stay around in the right direction. My husband and I are so grateful to have had Brooke as our baby's nurse especially since she wasn't the nurse originally assigned to us. It was so hectic that day and she came to us mid-morning. But, it turned out to be the best day! Thank you, Brooke! Although thank you just doesn't seem like enough!