When I look back at my baby's birth story, Nafee'ah will be a crucial part of it. As a first-time mom, there is so much to learn and no amount of baby books that could prepare you for baby's arrival. I was so fortunate to have Nafee'ah as my night nurse two nights in a row. The first night, she was so compassionate and helpful in not only taking care of my baby but taking care of me and my husband as well. It was amazing watching her work with our baby - I learned so many things in those brief few hours than any textbook or video could teach me. When we learned we were going to be there a second night, I was genuinely thrilled to see that Nafee'ah was assigned to our room again. If that first night was the intro course to parenting, the second night was the advanced, hands-on class. Since we knew that my baby was dealing with jaundice, we knew that she would be up feeding frequently. Nafee'ah made it a point to check in on us a bit more often, bring additional water and ice, and just reassure us we were doing it right. I honestly felt like I had a friend by the end of my time at Swedish First Hill. Nafee’ah is such an important part of my journey to motherhood.

Without her, I don't think I would have been able to leave the hospital feeling as confident as I did. And leaving with a baby who has jaundice, I needed all the confidence I could get. I still use a lot of what Nafee'ah taught me today with my 4-week-old. All the nurses are wonderful there, and I could not be more grateful to have chosen a better hospital to deliver at, but it was Nafee'ah who personally impacted me on a deeper level. Thank you, Nafee'ah, for everything you have done. You have made me a better mother for my little girl, and that is the greatest gift I could ever ask for (although a push present doesn't hurt, right? ;-).)