Balance
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | 4 Comments
This weekend I nearly collapsed.
See, there's this thing about nursing. Sometimes you get thrown into situations you could never imagine possible. The highs and the lows of nursing are incredible.
I handed a mother her stillborn baby. It's not the first time I've done this. But that day was the first I realized someone could cry that hard. I had to step out of the room and break down myself. (While the doctor at the desk inappropriately told me that fertility medicine will send me into ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, such good timing indeed).
Many pictures, a baptism, and paperwork later, the mother said goodbye and I took the baby to the morgue. I took her away from her mother, giving it to a stranger. I didn't ask for this role.
Perhaps this is something I shouldn't blog about. It is not my norm.
Overall
I just
feel
used
up.
Category:
Work
Comments
- April
- I am a RN & natural momma in the Pacific Northwest, married to a beautiful man I adore. Nature is my niche, animals get me. I read and I write, I hike and I love photography. Welcomed our daughter Hazel Annan earthside in February 2012 after three years of infertility & our second miracle daughter Juniper Louise in April 2014.
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March 31, 2011 at 6:40 AM
So sad, April. I can't imagine being you or that mom. I don't even want to think about it. I give you so much credit for doing what you do.
March 31, 2011 at 2:12 PM
oh friend...i cannot imagine... no wonder you said you were feeling so far removed.
but i will tell you...i couldn't imagine kinder hands to carry that woman's baby from her to the morgue...if that makes any sense. i don't think it came out right but...oh, i hope you know what i mean.
in finding the balance, sometimes we are lifted up...sometimes we are under what feels like an impossible weight. i hope you are feeling lighter today :)
xo, em
April 1, 2011 at 6:30 PM
You know... I bet these moments (while I pray they don't happen very often) make you a very strong person.
You may have broke down but what caring human wouldn't? I respect you so much for your work. but I can imagine the toll it takes on you.
Like I said before... you are a very strong woman
and I love you :)
April 3, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You ladies are so great and supportive. :)