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We're celebrating Nurses Week (May 6-12) by profiling a few of the amazing nurses that help others live amazing lives! National Nurses Week is a time for everyone – individuals, employers, other health care professionals, community leaders, and nurses – to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. Be sure to thank your nurses this (and every) week!
Liz Maseth BSN, RN, IBCLC
Akron Children’s Hospital
Akron, Ohio
Hobbies: Gardening (Brown Earth Therapy), Children and Grandchildren
Katie Powers RN, IBCLC
Manatee Memorial Hospital
Bradenton, Florida
Hobbies: Ballet dancer, Pianist, Member of the medical team at marathons.
Rose deVigne-Jackiewicz, RN, MPH, IBCLC
Kaiser Permanente – Department of Pediatrics: Outpatient Lactation Clinic
San Diego, California
Hobbies: Beading, Jewelry making, cake decorating
What inspires you to go to work every day?
LM: I am amazed every day by the families that I care for at Akron Children’s Hospital. I work in Maternal Fetal Medicine where mothers and families are very vulnerable. They are very concerned about their baby, their pregnancy and the potential outcomes. I have the distinct pleasure to assist them in their journey of motherhood and lactation. I have been inspired by the strength and perseverance of the mothers that I have cared for. I have seen some amazing young women walk a journey that would normally break others. I have held mothers as their babies have passed away in their arm. I have grieved with families as they say their final goodbyes to their loved ones or those whom they have never met. I have been there when they have met their new baby for the first time. I have supported others through new diagnosis and loss. This is why I come to work every day. I get so much more than I can give.
KP: Love my workplace, love my coworkers, and truly enjoy the mothers. Every mother baby dyad is unique. Yes there are similarities, but they each have their own story and challenges. I feel it is both a blessing and an honor to part of a family’s life at the time when their whole lives have changed because of this new human being. We speak (with) our eyes, teach with our hands, comfort with our presence. Quote from Eunice Ernst ... I have this poster in my office to remind me everyday why I am a nurse: It is not a job, it is who I am.
RDJ: Besides loving what I do, and I smile when I come to work, I could be that one person who will make a difference in a new mom and babies’ life by helping them meet their breastfeeding goals. If they goals are not met or can’t be met, then I will be the one person who will help mom realize she is an amazing mother.
Favorite moment on the job:
LM: My favorite moment on my job was when I had won the Ohio Nurse of the Year Award through the March of Dimes. I was so honored and surprised all at the same time.
KP: Too many to mention. When I see a smile.
RDJ: This is difficult to single out a favorite moment, there are too many favorite moments. From the new mom whose newborn has latched correctly for the first time to the mom walking down the hall with her teenager, saying, “Oh Hi Rose, this is my son (or daughter). You helped me breastfeed him when he was born, “you saved my breastfeeding”.
Best piece of advice for new moms:
LM: Dear Mothers: You are amazing. Look and see what YOU have been able to do. Trust your maternal (MOM) l instincts-they will not lead you in the wrong direction. Trust in yourself when you care for your baby-no one knows your baby better than you do! Seek help and support from those that can help you achieve your goals for your birthing and breastfeeding experiences.
KP: Get through today, one day at a time.
RDJ: Listen to your “mommy voice”. Trust your “mommy instinct”.
Favorite Ameda product/part of the brand & why?
LM: I had assisted Ameda in engineering the larger breast flange sizes and I was also instrumental in placing a timer on the Platinum breast pump.
KP: Platinum pump.
RDJ: Hydrogel pads!
Favorite trick of the trade (pumping):
LM: My favorite tricks of the trade from working in the NICU are as follows:
- Breast pump within the first 1-2 hours after delivery. The research is now telling us that this will help your body make more milk and more quickly
- Pump often. I suggest 8-10 sessions in a 24 hours period for 15-20 minutes double breast pumping
- If pain occurs, turn down the suction setting. Start on a lower setting and gradually increase until you begin to see milk and are comfortable
- The first 2-3 weeks are the most important time as mothers are establishing milk supply. Please pump frequently
- Rest is also important. Please make sure that you are resting between your pump sessions.
- If you are feeling stressed or sad, please make sure that you can speak with someone: Your baby’s nurse, social worker, counselor, and physician. You are worth it.
KP: Convincing the moms they can do this for their baby!
RDJ: Take a break for several minutes in the middle of pumping (this can empty breasts better, helps to increase milk production and reduce nipple soreness).