Kylie Lattimer
February 2023
Kylie
Lattimer
,
RN
L&D
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital
Katy
,
TX
United States
However, as soon as Kylie walked into the room and introduced herself, everything felt like things were going to be okay for both of us.
When a woman is pregnant, it is a completely transformative process; mentally and physically. She gets to feel every bump, kick, and movement of the baby. Family and friends support her throughout the process. All rightly so and deserved! However, as the husband and father, there can be a feeling of disassociation. It isn't happening to us- we don't get those kicks, bumps, or the same support that the woman receives.
Often, when the conversation turns to the baby, the father sinks into the background, with normally not so much a glance. During appointments and pre-baby classes, the father occasionally gets a glance during the 'any questions' portion. This sometimes feels like it's not OUR baby, but HER baby, when it is as much mine as it is hers. When checking into the labor and delivery unit, we were treated much the same, as I was just the support person. However, as soon as Kylie walked into the room and introduced herself, everything felt like things were going to be okay for both of us.
From solid eye contact and engaging in conversations, we both felt welcome with Kylie. Watching how Kylie treated my wife with care showed me her compassion. She was supportive, explained everything when needed, and asked for consent where appropriate during the process. Seeing how Kylie treated my wife was enough for me to be satisfied. However, what really showed me how Kylie excelled was how she treated me, the husband and support partner for my wife in labor.
I was included from the start in the introductions and explanations. I finally felt like this was MY thing too, and not just me attending another of my wife's appointments. Kylie was able to include me in some of the minor support functions, helping her and my wife move forward with the labor. She always made sure to ask how we both were and made sure both of our needs were met, rather than just the patient. She asked me questions and spoke to me when my wife was not able to answer.
Kylie made me feel welcome and included in a way that nobody else had during the entire pregnancy. Kylie's obvious compassion for those in her care, including the families and support partners, is why I feel that she goes above and beyond. She makes folks feel welcome and included, especially at a time when they need it most.
Often, when the conversation turns to the baby, the father sinks into the background, with normally not so much a glance. During appointments and pre-baby classes, the father occasionally gets a glance during the 'any questions' portion. This sometimes feels like it's not OUR baby, but HER baby, when it is as much mine as it is hers. When checking into the labor and delivery unit, we were treated much the same, as I was just the support person. However, as soon as Kylie walked into the room and introduced herself, everything felt like things were going to be okay for both of us.
From solid eye contact and engaging in conversations, we both felt welcome with Kylie. Watching how Kylie treated my wife with care showed me her compassion. She was supportive, explained everything when needed, and asked for consent where appropriate during the process. Seeing how Kylie treated my wife was enough for me to be satisfied. However, what really showed me how Kylie excelled was how she treated me, the husband and support partner for my wife in labor.
I was included from the start in the introductions and explanations. I finally felt like this was MY thing too, and not just me attending another of my wife's appointments. Kylie was able to include me in some of the minor support functions, helping her and my wife move forward with the labor. She always made sure to ask how we both were and made sure both of our needs were met, rather than just the patient. She asked me questions and spoke to me when my wife was not able to answer.
Kylie made me feel welcome and included in a way that nobody else had during the entire pregnancy. Kylie's obvious compassion for those in her care, including the families and support partners, is why I feel that she goes above and beyond. She makes folks feel welcome and included, especially at a time when they need it most.