Sharon Frankel has spent nearly all of her 34 years as a nurse working in labor and delivery. Even after all that time, seeing a baby being born still fulfills her in a very special way. “It’s very emotional and makes your heartbeat faster. Being part of that family’s life story is indescribable.”

While Frankel is providing care at what is expected to be a special time, the reality is some parents experience a loss. In those situations, it’s the nurse’s job to be compassionate, empathetic, and a good listener, and why Frankel has extensive training in bereavement counseling.

Despite the sadness, the clinical manager says it’s rewarding to be there for someone at their lowest time. She has received flowers from those who appreciated her efforts and also been visited by a family that had previously lost a child late in pregnancy that came back two years later to show her their healthy newborn.