Connie and her husband, Kyle, were on a trip in California when she suddenly became very swollen and ill. Being pregnant at the time, they returned to their home state of New Mexico and met with Connie’s doctor out of concern for not only her own health, but the health of her baby.
Anxiety crept in when she was immediately referred to Lovelace Women’s Hospital. However from the moment she arrived, Connie knew she was in good hands.
“Everyone was so nice when I checked in,” recalls Connie about her arrival to the hospital.
Shortly after having blood and urine samples taken, her doctor informed her that she would need to be monitored at the hospital. Furthermore, she had to deliver her baby within a day or two–at just 27 weeks.
“I felt myself shrink,” remember Connie upon hearing the news. “I didn’t even realize babies could be born so early and survive.”
Knowing the stress that Connie and her husband were going through, Connie’s nurse, Megan, reassured her. Megan went above and beyond, says Connie, constantly checking-in and reassuring her of the dedicated staff at the hospital.
When it came time for her C-section, Connie successfully delivered her baby – Lorelei – who weighed in at just one pound and three ounces.
Baby Lorelei was immediately placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where hospital staff oversaw her care for 65 days until she was healthy enough to go home. And despite the hardships of her NICU journey, Connie and Kyle say that the staff at the hospital created a strong sense of community that helped their family persevere.
“The nurses in the NICU at Lovelace Women’s Hospital are angels on Earth and the respiratory therapists are such blessings,” says Connie. “They’re all remarkable people. I have no words to describe how amazing the neonatologists were. We will never forget everyone’s kindness”
Connie’s grateful for the experience she’s had at Lovelace Women’s Hospital. The hospital staff went above and beyond in giving Connie and her baby the best care possible at a time when they need it most.
“We will forever have a special place in our hearts for the Lovelace staff.”
A lack of access to care can cause complications and sometimes death for mothers before, during, or after childbirth. Although great strides have been made in this area, further improvements to maternal health coverage are still needed to ensure better outcomes for pregnant mothers and their children – like Connie and baby Lorelei.
At the Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care, nothing inspires us more than hearing about the difference that caring healthcare workers make in the lives of patients every single day. Will you share your story with us?