Rarely do we meet people who make a tremendous impact in our lives. Yet that is exactly what happened to Tiffany last year in 2020. The young woman was facing one of the most difficult circumstances any person can face. With the help and guidance from a compassionate nurse, Tiffany pulled through.
Originally from Lancaster, Tiffany is a mother parenting four children and a successful professional. She worked in various retail stores before joining the financial industry, navigating her way up in the field.
In 2019, after experiencing multiple traumatic incidents, Tiffany was shocked to learn she was pregnant. She hid her pregnancy from her family, speaking to virtually no one about her experience. Approaching the end of her pregnancy, Tiffany went to Kent General Hospital in Delaware by herself. It was at this hospital where she would encounter an amazing nurse named Jennifer who would make a lasting impression. From the start, Jennifer provided the compassion and encouragement Tiffany needed.
At the hospital, Jennifer was an advocate for victims of domestic violence. Tiffany connected with Jennifer and felt comfortable confiding in her and opened up to her about what really had happened telling her the full story. Jennifer was understanding and through their conversations, she advised Tiffany of the importance of having support and encouraged her to tell her family of her pregnancy. Upon Tiffany’s request, Jennifer also compiled a list of adoption agencies for the expectant mother to browse through.
The hospital soon discharged Tiffany, who was not quite ready to deliver at that time. Later that same night, she went into labor. Nervous and alone, she called her father, who could sense his daughter’s distress. He encouraged her to open up to him, letting her know he was there to help and provide a judgment-free zone.
After explaining the situation to her father, he drove Tiffany to Kent General Hospital. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Because of her circumstances, Tiffany decided that adoption was the best choice. Tiffany reached out to Adoptions From The Heart’s (AFTH) Delaware office. The agency had been on Jennifer’s list of recommended adoption agencies, as she had worked with them before. When Tiffany reflected back on her decision, she stated that Adoptions From The Heart stood out. The agency’s inclusivity particularly intrigued her, with AFTH welcoming prospective parents of various backgrounds.
Adoption Counselor, Amanda Aliberti, arrived at Kent the next day to begin coordinating an emergency placement. Tiffany’s family would also be there. She had been nervous to see her family, unsure of what their reactions would be to her adoption plan. To her surprise, she received a wonderful amount of love and understanding.
During her hospital stay, the staff were completely understanding and respectful of Tiffany’s needs. Every nurse assigned to care for her knew of her adoption plan. She recalled the nurses being thoughtful, asking if she would like to hold her son or feed him.
During her hospital stay, Tiffany read through several profiles of families given to her by Amanda. But there was one family in particular that she had her mind set on. The couple had very similar values to her own, ultimately leading to Tiffany choosing them to raise her son.
Throughout the weekend after Tiffany gave birth, Jennifer regularly checked-in with the mother through calls and messages. Jennifer’s dedication to helping Tiffany went even further. The nurse even clocked into Kent General on her day off, to personally discharge the mother and child.
Tiffany looks back on this moment, believing every single person was put into her life for a reason. She says the Jennifer helped her make the best decision she could make in placing her son for adoption. Tiffany credits Jennifer with making a better situation for her child.
Tiffany and Jennifer have since lost contact with one another. When asked what she would say to Jennifer if she could speak to her, Tiffany says she would give her a big hug and thank the nurse for being there in her time of difficulty. Tiffany went on to say Jennifer’s help meant the world to her. She would also show the nurse pictures of her son, who turned one early this year, letting her know how well he is growing.
Tiffany was also asked what she would like more nurses to know in order to help other women in her situation. She wishes all nurses could be unbiased and understanding. Tiffany, who is a woman of color, shared that she is apprehensive about going to the doctor. She feels fear in medical settings due to the discrepancies in healthcare for People of Color. Tiffany encourages every nurse to view nursing as more than checking vital signs and bring compassion to the field.
Today, Tiffany shares a beautiful relationship with her son’s adoptive family. The family now lives in Virginia however their adoption is still as open as ever. The triad keeps in contact often through social media and their agency. Her son’s adoptive parents ensure their child knows Tiffany as his first mom. They are also very inclusive with involving Tiffany’s children in their relationship, allowing all the children to bond.
