I gave birth to my first child at Hutchinson Regional. I know it has been over 2 years, and I don't even know if Missy is still employed there, but I only recently found out I could nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award. Missy was only my nurse for a few hours before discharging, but she was truly amazing.

I gave birth over the 4th of July weekend, and I wanted to be successful breastfeeding so badly, but because of the holiday weekend, there were no lactation consultants working. Missy came in and helped me so much with positioning and getting my baby to latch on without causing me any pain. She was able to give me advice for nursing with larger breasts. The day of discharge my hormones were really spiraling, as she was giving me discharge instructions she was very thorough and held nothing back about things I might see, smell, and feel while healing. She encouraged me to call any time about anything regarding me or my new baby over the next couple of weeks. She talked to me about postpartum mental health, and I started to cry. She asked me if I was already feeling like PPD or PPA was coming over me. I shared with her that I had experienced depression already during my pregnancy, and while I was managing it with my OBGYN, I was worried about what the next few weeks and months had in store for my mental health. She shared her personal story about postpartum depression with me and gave me a big hug.

I still think of our interaction often and I am so grateful for the heartfelt compassion she showed me at a time I was most vulnerable. Every nurse I came into contact with during my stay was nothing short of kind, compassionate, and capable, but Missy made a true connection with me that mattered. I did end up battling postpartum depression, and I am still on antidepressants and in therapy to deal with it. Her breastfeeding advice helped me make it 19 months.