Dawn is the bereavement coordinator in labor and delivery and is passionate about the responsibilities that come with the role. It is a sad reality that stillbirth/neonatal death is an occurrence that labor and delivery nurses learn to cope with. Dawn works diligently to organize resources for the parents, research meaningful momentous keepsakes, and individualize the uniqueness of each stillborn. She ensures the baby is bathed/clothed and its little body is treated with love and dignity.

The most recent infant we had was unique as it was known to be incompatible with life early in gestation. Therefore, Dawn was able to connect with the mother early in the pregnancy. Once the baby was born, she initially defied the odds and lived longer than expected. Dawn came in on a day off from work to care for the mother and her family. She crafted beautiful keepsakes for the family to remember and treasure their days with their baby. Dawn also maintained communication with the family after discharge from the hospital and attended bereavement services once the baby passed. Dawn exceeded her defined job responsibilities. Her compassion goes beyond helping families when stillbirth or newborn death occurs. She makes herself available to patients and staff to assist them in navigating through the process. I am grateful for her compassion, integrity, and love as she ministers to the bereaved families.