Most mothers look forward to some recuperation and recovery from the ordeal that is labor and delivery. That’s why the story of one new mother, also a nurse, has captured the hearts of thousands on Instagram.
As documented by photographer Alexandria Mooney, the unnamed mother — a labor and delivery nurse — had a plan. Immediately following her baby’s delivery, this mother had planned to take matters into her own hands.
“When we were chatting prior to baby day, she told me she wanted to do her babe’s newborn exam herself. I was like ‘OMG THIS IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,” Mooney wrote.
The nurse, now a new mother, planned to give her baby the newborn examination that she had performed on countless other newborns, and which must be done immediately after delivery. The newborn assessment includes a comprehensive health assessment to include measuring the newborn’s head circumference, height, and weight, as well as listening to the baby’s heartbeat, examining the baby’s vitals, and other important tasks.
READ: Nurse gives birth in gas station bathroom: ‘It happened so fast’
This was something Mooney had never seen before, according to her Instagram post: “I’m going to brag on this mama for a sec… because in over 100 birth stories captured, I have never ever gotten to document something like this!” A labor and delivery nurse typically performs the neonatal assessment away from the mother near the baby warmer, but this mother chose to perform the assessment on her hospital bed.
People commenting on the Instagram post were amazed and touched. “I’m 6 days postpartum and looking at her sitting upright like a warrior ? I can barely sit upright a week later, go Mama go!!” said one commenter. “This is so cool! ? And look how comfy little baby is to be able to be near mama while getting checked over. ♥️ Perfect!” said another.
One woman said she was inspired to follow this mother’s example: “I love this!! I’m due in November and hope to be my baby’s transition nurse.”
For Mooney, the unique event was not one that she will soon forget. “It was truly a privilege to be invited into this birth space and get the honor of documenting mama checking out her brand new little boy,” she said on Instagram. “Birth is so incredible and so amazingly empowering.”
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