With her July 10 due date fast approaching, Dana expected the final days of her pregnancy to be filled with anticipation. Instead, on July 7, she woke up with a deep sense that something was wrong. Dana did not feel her baby moving, which was completely out of the ordinary. After calling her doctor, she was advised to come to Holy Name immediately. Upon evaluation, doctors saw she had dangerously high blood pressure and diagnosed her with preeclampsia. She was promptly admitted to Holy Name’s BirthPlace.
The following 24 hours were incredibly challenging. Her care team administered medication to help induce labor, along with magnesium and blood pressure treatments to stabilize her. Despite nearly 20 hours of effort, Dana’s labor wasn’t progressing. By Monday morning, after an emotional and sleepless night, she felt exhausted and discouraged.
That day, though, everything changed, Dana’s day nurse, Alicia, entered the room with a warm smile and a calm, reassuring presence. When asked how she was feeling, Dana responded honestly: She was miserable. With kindness and understanding, Alicia immediately jumped in to help.
After 20 hours of laboring, Dana wanted to move forward with a C-section. She spoke with the attending OB/GYN, and together they agreed that was an appropriate next step. Alicia became a strong advocate for Dana, working quickly across multiple departments to ensure the procedure could happen that very day. She did this all while remaining attentive and compassionate, doing everything she could to ease Dana’s discomfort and anxiety.
As Dana prepared for surgery, her anxiety intensified. She was nervous about receiving an epidural in the operating room and struggled to remain still. But Alicia stayed right by her side, gently taking her hands, resting her forehead on hers, and encouraging Dana to focus. Alicia reassured Dana that she would be there every step of the way.
In that moment, Dana felt an overwhelming sense of safety and support; something she says she will never forget.
Dana’s baby was delivered later that afternoon. After returning to her room, spending time with her newborn, and welcoming initial visitors, the day came to a close. Alicia’s shift ended. The new family, all healthy, returned home a couple of days later.
Seven months later, Dana still reflects on how Alicia’s warmth, compassion, and expertise helped keep her calm throughout a stressful experience.
“Alicia’s care extended far beyond clinical skill,” she says. “She brought empathy, reassurance, and humanity to one of the most vulnerable moments in my life.”
