September 2023
Ursula
Stack
,
B.Sc. MW
OB Triage
Sidra Medicine
Doha
Qatar
Ursula said, “Listen, if you need anything tonight, even if it’s not physical, I’m here all night, so you just ring the bell if you need.” The gesture was so sweet and unexpected; she made me cry!
Three years ago, I was hospitalized at 35 weeks before giving birth to my first son due to ICP. I was struggling with the itch and was feeling very uncertain about having a preterm birth. One evening, I was feeling a bit uneasy and when she came by to do her checks, she noticed that something was wrong. I told her I was feeling a bit emotional, and she said, “Listen, if you need anything tonight, even if it’s not physical, I’m here all night, so you just ring the bell if you need.” The gesture was so sweet and unexpected; she made me cry! I just never imagined the care I received would go beyond simple nursing procedures. For her to sense without knowing me something was off and to reach out when I needed it meant so much, as I had never been hospitalized before, and even though I was scared, I was trying so hard to put on a brave face. She then stopped by to visit after my son was born, which also meant a lot. I was so sad I never got her as a midwife during my second pregnancy! I always tell that story, and it will always be my favorite memory of Sidra, so I’m glad I’m able to recognize her in this way, even if so many years have gone by.