Susie Denton, NICU Nurse/NICU Lactation Consultant
Fairview Ridges in Burnsville, MN
Nominated by Jenny Burns
On March 21, 2016, our twin boys (Weston & Everett) were born at 28 + 6 weeks at about 3lbs. each. We first met Susie approximately 13 days after they were born when we were transferred to another, slightly smaller NICU. She is both an IBCLC and Nurse at the Ridges NICU.
We met as she was rounding as an IBCLC and she offered as much information as possible, and also what to expect from our preemies in terms of developmental capabilities at such a young age. Susie has fought for the Lactation Consultant position to be available at her NICU and it is only a new, but needed, resource for the NICU moms. Just recently, her rounding has been extended from 2 to 3 days based on patient feedback. In addition to everything she provided as an IBCLC and Nurse, she just cared.
She went the extra mile and gave whatever emotional support she had to the NICU moms. She was a great buffer between the medical world and us trying to understand normal parenthood. Our preemies were sort of a normal case – we had Danny slings, oxygen, bilateral inguinal hernias – we weren’t critical, but it is still a scary time with a lot of unknowns and Susie could just read that on your face. As a mom, you put a lot of pressure on yourself to do the best. Susie gave me permission to do what I needed to do to keep my sanity, regardless if that is what she agreed with.
When we finally reached the time we had been waiting for, discharge, it was sad as you knew you were going to be leaving great care and support. We’ve kept in touch with Susie as the boys have had their surgeries since we left and got to visit with her at a surgery post-op appointment. We have been emailing and it is great to keep in touch and see the passion she has for what she does and the kindheartedness she has towards her families. Thanks to Susie for all she did during our 10 week NICU stay.