by, Cheryl Larry-Osman, RN, MS, CNM
As a nurse with more than 20 years of obstetrical experience, I’ve had countless opportunities to advocate for patients one-on-one in a clinical setting. Ensuring that women and infants receive the best care possible is my passion. Continue reading
by, Kristen Wesley “The Mom”
There is a moment after labor when you realize that not only is your sweet little baby a patient, but that you are too. At least for me, that was something that hadn’t really registered. On the day that my little baby girl Isla was born I very quickly began to understand we would both need a ton of care in the hospital and at home.
You would think from all the books I read, articles I scoured, and the numerous second hand accounts from friends I received, it would have sunk in. But it just didn’t. It literally never occurred to me that I’d be a patient too during and after labor and birth. Continue reading
by, Emily Morehead, MA
November is National Adoption Month.
For many reasons, clinicians, including nurses, may feel uncertain about how to care for a patient planning adoption.
They may have little experience with patients planning adoption or be unsure of their hospital’s policies about care of patients planning adoption. Because adoption has changed so much in recent years, having current information is important. Sometimes personal or professional experiences may impact one’s perspective or opinion about adoption either positively or negatively. As with other sensitive issues, putting aside personal biases about adoption allows the clinician to appropriately help patients with their individual needs related to placing a baby for adoption. Continue reading
by, Tracy Whitman, RN
Premature babies depend on us as nurses and parents to be their advocates, their protectors, and most importantly their voices. Their development in the NICU should mimic as closely as possible the uterine environment. As new parents of NICU babies, it is often hard to understand this concept, and that is when the NICU nurse is your best resource for education about your new baby. Continue reading
by, Rosemary C. White-Traut, PhD, RN, FAAN
Having your new baby spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be extremely stressful for both you and your baby. The bright lights, the random nature of nonhuman sounds such as beeps or monitors, and medical procedures can all create an uneasy or stressful environment.
This is concerning because stress can influence your baby’s brain development and how parents interact with their babies. However, there are ways to help reduce the long-term effect of these stressors.
There are several things you can do as parents to help reduce NICU environmental stressors. Ask your nurse for help with these suggestions. Continue reading
By Lori Boggan, RN
I have worked with babies as a neonatal nurse for nearly twelve years. In that time I have seen countless well babies, premature babies, babies with heart defects or bowel defects, and babies born with Down syndrome or syndromes incompatible with life. I have seen babies die. It happens and is the sad, unfortunate part of the job. It’s sad for the parents and family that longed for this little person and lost. It’s sad for the medical team that worked so hard to give the baby a fighting chance and lost. So how does one overcome a particularly poignant loss? Continue reading
by, Shauna Zurawski
I am the mother of four children, each one unique. The same can be said of their births. Because of the variety of births I have experienced, I’ve learned that for me, nitrous oxide is by far the best form of pain relief during childbirth . Continue reading
by, Ann Bianchi, PhD, RN
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has devastating effects on a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
Intimate partner violence may be more severe and more frequent during pregnancy which poses health risks to the mother and her baby. The effects on a woman’s health due to IPV during pregnancy may extend long after the pregnancy and post-partum period. One in four women are victims of IPV and 324,000 pregnant women experience IPV each year and 1600 maternal deaths each year are the result of intimate partner violence.
This blog post is part of our IPV series and covers the effects on mother-infant bonding, maternal and fetal outcomes, and our role as nurses.
The last in our blog series coming out in winter 2015 will cover screening details for nurses. Continue reading
See the first part of Danni’s Story posted September 1
by, Danni Star
After overcoming my PPD, I gave birth to another daughter and thought I knew what to look out for and was thankful not to experience the same intensity of symptoms again. What I didn’t realize is that PPD comes in so many different forms.
I went to lunch with a good friend after my second child was born. I don’t know why but I unloaded how I had been seeing my anxiety rise again, how bad it had gotten, my intrusive thoughts and how I literally kept thinking of worst case scenarios.
She urged me to go see a maternal mental health doctor. I took my time but the following week my anxiety was at an all-time high and I could feel myself falling apart so I called the doctor and she said she would squeeze me in that week.
A few days later I was in her office sweating profusely, heart racing so bad I felt like it was going to explode out of my chest and I couldn’t sit still. She asked a million questions and I answered them extremely honest. I told her that I felt anxious all the time, like a walking ball of nervous energy. That even at work when I am in my zone I still feel so out of place.
I told her that my biggest fears are losing my children, Slim, my husband, and Claire, my best friend. I have literally dreamed all of their funerals repetitively- I don’t know maybe as a coping mechanism.
As I am saying these things, I still think she is going to tell me I just have anxiety and that we will get through it. I keep referring to “when I had Postpartum Depression.” I keep referencing how it felt then.
And then the bomb drops. She tells me that I am suffering from PPD. I instantly start bawling. No I am NOT, I had that before and this is different, I don’t want that. I can’t have that; it almost killed me and ruined my life and my marriage. I go to work, I laugh, I function…how is that possible?
She explains to me that all I know of PPD is the most severe, that I am experiencing moderate PPD. I feel hurt, angry, and mad at myself for not realizing, after all I have been here before. I think back to all of the things that I just described to her and I realize she’s right, if any of my friends would have told me what I told her I would have known instantly, so why didn’t I realize it about myself?
Instead, just like before, I will beat this. I will attend support groups, I will try my hardest not to only function normally at work. I will follow the doctor’s treatment plans and I will talk it out. I am scared, this is my biggest fear realized but I am going to be ok.
I WILL TO BE OK! My nemesis has returned but my fighting spirit will be its kryptonite.
Postpartum depression is my truth. An ugly truth that I just so happened to conquer and you can too. You are worthy so be open, learn what is going on and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Danni Starr
Danni Starr works daily as co-host of the nationally syndicated “The Kane Show.” Danni fell in love with radio at 19 and 11 years later, she still considers it her first true love. As a Mother and wife Danni is the “Den Mom” to the show & offers open, honest, opinions and advice.
Postpartum Support International: 1-800-994-4773 or postpartum.net
National Postpartum Depression Hotline: 1-800-PPD-MOMS
AWHONN’s Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Position Statement
by, Sharon C. Hitchcock
Did you know most infant sleep-related deaths are considered preventable? This is good news worth sharing! Because most babies are born in a hospital or birthing center, nurses are uniquely positioned to interact with virtually every new parent. This means nurses play a critical role in helping prevent these deaths. We know that parents trust us (we are the most trusted profession!), watch us, and listen to us. We have a responsibility to make sure we give parents safe sleep recommendations along with the evidence behind them. We have a responsibility to problem-solve with parents about accomplishing safe sleep situations, all while simultaneously respecting their right to decide what is best for their family. The bad news is too many babies are still dying. October is SIDS Awareness month and a perfect time for nurses to spread the good news and advocate for our smallest patients! Continue reading