Betsy Smith, RN, in the Allen Birthing Center, brings such joy and comfort to families during the most exciting, and hectic times, in their lives. She is not only a wonderful nurse, but she genuinely cares for her patients and is eager to help them when they need it the most. I personally experienced this when I gave birth to my first child. Without asking, Betsy offered to take dozens of photos for us, giving us treasured memories that will last a lifetime. She patiently explained how to bathe our baby, but she did not forget about mom. Often when babies are born, it is so easy to put the spotlight only on the wonderful baby and it becomes out of the mind what the mom has gone through. After my emergency C-section, Betsy helped me get clean, she encouraged me, she made me feel good again. Becoming a new mom is incredible but it is terrifying as well. She completely understood this.
I am not only a patient at Allen, but I am also an employee, and I have been given permission to share an additional story about Betsy from a friend of mine who just gave birth this past summer. My friend was seven weeks pregnant with her second child, her husband very suddenly passed away leaving behind my friend, their five-year-old child, and their unborn baby. This kind of grief is simply unimaginable for both her and their child, who was still just trying to get used to having a new sibling. Now her father was gone as well. When she gave birth to their new daughter, Betsy offered tireless comfort to her. She listened and supported her when she needed it most. She encouraged her to seek counseling, which she says she will forever be grateful for. She made such a difference for this family, not just in the moment of birth, but in years to come. She really exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver.