I felt decreased fetal movement when I was 34 weeks pregnant with my second child, who had several genetic defects and was already facing a challenging situation. When I got to the SDU, Karla greeted me with such compassion and held my hand while the team was checking for a heartbeat and, finally, movement via ultrasound. It was discovered that my baby had passed away in utero.

Karla was instrumental in my survival over the next 72 hours as I was grieving while giving birth and, eventually, grieving while holding and loving on my child before I had to say goodbye. She felt like family, providing such an exceptional level of care, including being attentive, being a listening ear, holding space for my emotions, whatever they may be, and also nursing me back to a healing place as I had gestational hypertension and fever. She explained everything so that there was no confusion, made clear our every option every step of the way, and advocated for us in a way that I have to say she was an absolute Angel for us. She was so sweet with our baby girl, held me while I cried, bathed our daughter with us, and chose the best outfit- and she took the most amazing photos of our family in the hardest moments, creating a wonderful album and inviting other programs to consult us regarding all of our wishes and needs.

I’ve never known care of that quality in my entire life, even with my firstborn’s birth. Karla is not just exceptional at her job, but her heart is pure, her energy is warm, and she truly saved me from despair during the hardest time of my life, prioritizing my dignity with the utmost respect. She is the reason I’m able to continue on, and while I know this grief will be lifelong, I will never, ever forget what Karla did for me and her incredible kindness.