This summer, a baby was born to a family that was awaiting the birth of their firstborn son with great anticipation. Their joy turned to sorrow when they learned that their baby had a cardiac condition that was not compatible with life. We can only imagine how those parents and the family felt to receive this news. The physicians and medical specialists on the case spoke to the parents prior to delivery and confirmed the expected outcome. None of them expected the baby to survive more than a couple of hours at best beyond delivery.
A beautiful baby boy was delivered, and he seemed vigorous and full of life so the neonatal team initiated resuscitation. Subsequent diagnostic studies re-confirmed the fact that the baby had little chance of survival. What made the situation even more challenging was the fact that, to all outward appearances, the baby looked perfect in everyone's eyes, especially in the hopeful hearts of his parents. This made palliative care difficult to manage as well. Palliative care was initiated as ordered; to everyone's surprise, the baby hung in there and survived past 24 hours.
As exhausted as they were, our extraordinary team of professionals came together to help this very special baby and the family. They took turns round the clock to work with the parents, patiently explaining repeatedly why this seemingly perfect baby, even though he was responding favorably, would eventually not survive. Luz Silva and another RN became his primary nurses, taking turns and shifts caring for this tiny patient and his emotionally and physically exhausted parents. The parents did not want to be away from their son even for a second so they offered to love and hold the baby for them so they could get some rest in the other room. Both nurses sat with them, holding their hands, offering a shoulder to cry on whenever they needed it.
The Palliative Care Coordinator was introduced to the family on the second day after delivery. She did an amazing job of explaining the process of palliative care and available options for discharge. The parents were so afraid to leave the hospital - they felt safe here and trusted the staff that surrounded them with so much love and support. A team of employees throughout the maternal/child floor also made themselves available and constantly offered their help. She promised them that they could experience those remaining important moments with their child together in the privacy and comfort of their own home. She introduced them to Hospice and coordinated a visit with their team. The parents agreed to go home. The baby passed away peacefully at home the next day surrounded by his loving parents and family. They were able to successfully transfer the baby's body to their hometown in Mexico to be with the rest of their family.
What a beautiful and compelling testimony! The compassion you extended individually and collectively as a team and as a work-family serves as an inspiration to all of us. Thank you all for your compassion. The three of you are the model for compassion and selflessness and for the ICARE values we uphold. Thank you for living out our values in the important work you do every single day. We are very proud of you.