the heartbreaking side of nursing and the potential of motherhood
This may be disturbing to those with new babies or those who've experienced the devastation of miscarriage. I apologize, I mean no disrespect, and wish you peace.
I'm on call for the family support nurse this week. This is something that I've volunteered for. There is only one nurse that does it for our hospital. This means that I care for and ( Read more... )
I'm on call for the family support nurse this week. This is something that I've volunteered for. There is only one nurse that does it for our hospital. This means that I care for and ( Read more... )
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I only know a couple people who told me they miscarried. It always evokes respect from me, they've been through such a unique pain that I couldn't come near understanding. I bet a lot of people who have not given birth do not understand how you can fall in love with a baby before it's born.
It seems like women who miscarry often go through it multiple times. That's not fair at all. I wonder how many women you see have been through it more than once. I wonder if they blame themselves.
I dunno, the lamb thing does seem a little strange, but I think if you are going through that altered state of consciousness (grief), you become a little childlike, and simple things like that CAN be a comfort. Maybe they even asked women who miscarried what they would have been comforted by.
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Thanks so much for commenting. I always appreciate your wise words. You are right about the guilt that these women feel. They are the vessel charged with carrying their unborn baby towards life. They must feel some responsibility for the grief their family feels with this loss.
My newest mother also has a drug history (recovering) and a new diagnosis- possibly because of it. Her guilt is overwhelming, even though there is no evidence that her miscarriage has any specific cause.
I'm sure the turmoil in their lives will drag out this pain, and I hate that for them.
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Also, I can't even begin to comprehend what it would be like to lose a baby, especially like that.
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Thank you so much for writing. And thank you for the compliment. It always feels good to hear those nice things.
I also am amazed at the strength of nurses.
I can't comprehend what it's like to lose a baby either. And I tell them that. But it doesn't make my feelings of inadequacy any less. I just hope they know I'm honest with them and as sympathetic as I can be.
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You're doing an amazing thing.
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I think of you and your family often and hope you are well.
Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot.
: )
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I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriage.
I hope you had some support.
I'd like to hear your story sometime.
I'm so happy that you have Dan.
He is a very very very lucky baby.
HE BETTER APPRECIATE YOU AS HE GROWS UP!!
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I can't imagine a better nurse to be there for these women and their families and I am so glad that you volunteered to do this.
It is bittersweet because, on one hand, you wish this kind of role didn't have to exist, but since it does...knowing there are people like you providing the care and support makes the world seem a little less cruel. You may never feel satisfied with the words you say or the things you provide to everyone involved, but do realize you are doing something that not many people are able to do. Your words, your actions, they're all little things that will help these families eventually find some peace.
That peace may not be reached when you're around them in a physical sense, but they'll always be forever grateful to that sweet kind-hearted nurse who took their grief into her heart and soul in order to make things a little easier...if only for a moment or two.
I adore you.
<3
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I want you to know your tender understanding and gentle words bring tears to me again, but they offer the touch of healing. This means so much coming from another nurse and such a dear new friend.
I don't know what else to say, but wanted you to know that we love you, and thank you so much for taking the time to write things to make me feel better.
And I adore you.
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You know I would do anything to help you feel better after a rough couple of days.
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Thank you for being so kind to those in times of need. I know it must wear on your heart, but your caring and love must mean so much to those you need you - even if they can't see it through their pain.
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So sweet of you to comment.
I really appreciate your thoughts.
I usually feel really good about the support I provide them, but for some reason this week is really wearing on me.
I suppose the obvious reason is because I've had three IUFDs this week and I have painful things going on in my own life. So the aching heart surfaces for them but has lots of my own hurts wrapped up in it.
I thank you again.
How's life after the misery of law school???
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I've moved on from the misery of law school to the misery of preparing for the bar in 11ish weeks. I do plan on taking time off this weekend to celebrate with friends and family.
If you have some time to spare when you next come to Atlanta, please let me know. I'd love to meet for coffee or dinner so we could chat in person.
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I know you must have a mountain of things on your plate and I'm thinking of you and wishing you continued success!
Keep it going!
You are almost THERE!!!
Thank you also for your comments, they are so very much appreciated. And I don't know how you do what you do!!!
I'd like to be a SANE nurse when I am finally an RN. It is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. They are specially trained in forensics and work with women who have been raped. We have a center here in Birmingham, where the woman doesn't have to go to the ER and wait, she goes to the SANE headquarters and is treated there in privacy. It is set up like an extended stay hotel room. Kitchen and bathroom to clean off, and fresh clothes to change into. It's really a miraculous service. But LPN's can't do it.
: (
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