I would like to recognize Ashley Bupp for the exceptional care, compassion, and support she provided during some of the most difficult twelve hours of my life. She was exactly who I needed to get me through that experience and back home to my three children.

Ashley was my nurse on Labor & Delivery, and her shift began in the middle of my D&C for retained placenta, during which I experienced a massive hemorrhage. I know she was one of the superheroes who helped save my life in the operating room. However, my reason for writing this is for everything she did afterward, once I was awake and recovering, particularly in support of my breastfeeding goals.

Ashley’s number one goal, beyond the typical standards of care, was to help me maintain my breast milk supply, which had just come in. I was only six days postpartum, making it a critical time to protect my supply. My baby was not with me, so pumping was essential. As soon as I was awake, Ashley immediately brought me a pump. I had three IV lines in my arms and was unable to sit up, so I could not hold the pumping equipment myself. Ashley guided me through every step of the process. She held the flanges, adjusted the settings, and ensured I had everything I needed to continue pursuing my breastfeeding goals.

She also advocated on my behalf with the physicians, reminding them to lift my NPO status as soon as possible so I could eat and better support my milk supply. Throughout my time as an OB patient, I have seen extensive signage promoting the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation. Ashley truly exemplifies what it means to support a Baby-Friendly Hospital environment. She did not simply check boxes. She lived out the mission with genuine empathy and action, ensuring that my newborn and I could continue our breastfeeding journey despite a major health setback.

In addition, Ashley was the only nurse during my stay who wrote goals for the day on the wall. Seeing those goals when I woke up helped ground me in my recovery and gave me something concrete to focus on. It was a small act that made a profound difference.

Ashley also anticipated my comfort needs before I even realized them myself. I had been intubated during anesthesia, and my lips were extremely dry in recovery. Before I could ask, Ashley already had Vaseline at the bedside so I could create a makeshift lip balm. In that moment, it truly felt like she had thought of everything.

Ashley brought warmth, calm, and even light-hearted conversation to help me through one of the hardest days of my life. I hope she is recognized not only for her outstanding clinical skills but also for her commitment to supporting a patient’s breastfeeding goals, her exceptional ability to anticipate needs, and her joyful spirit that brought peace and hope during an incredibly challenging time.