14 nurses get pregnant at the same time in a ‘beautiful coincidence', hospital announces ahead of Mother's Day 2025
In a sweet announcement just before Mother's Day, a US hospital shared that 14 nurses from their Women and Infants Center were expecting babies themselves. These nurses, known for helping other women give birth with care and compassion, are now preparing to become mothers too.
HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, made the announcement during National Nurses Week.
For some, it will be their first child. Amy Bardon, the centre's director, called the pregnancy a special 'full-circle moment'. She said the nurses, already baby experts at work, would now gain personal experience, which would deepen their understanding.
'This is an incredible full-circle moment for many of our nurses, some of which are about to become first time moms themselves. I am so excited for each of our nurses and the journey they are embarking on,' Bardon said.
Photo: 14 nurses from their Women and Infants Center were expecting babies themselves
The US hospital is known for providing top-notch care to mothers and newborns. Many nurses give birth here themselves, and their colleagues look after them.
The hospital has a strong record in labour, delivery and baby care. It is certified by The Joint Commission for high-quality care before, during and after birth.
It also has the region's most experienced NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) team, just steps away if babies need advanced treatment. The Women and Infants Center is linked to Green Bay's only children's hospital.
'When our expecting nurses are ready to welcome their little ones into the world, they'll be cared for by their friends and colleagues here at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, and they find comfort in that,' Bardon said.
'But, even before labour, these women have already built some really unique bonds with their colleagues, and I love that each of them has the chance to go through this special moment with each other,' she added.
Social media users reacted to the news.
One user wrote, 'What a beautiful coincidence!'
'Did they plan this so they could all be off work at the same time?' quipped one user.
Another replied, 'This hospital is about to get very busy!'
In 2019, 14 nurses from the oncology unit at Massachusetts General Hospital told Director Ellen Fitzgerald they were pregnant. Four others had already given birth that year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Mom guilt driving women out of workforce? Expert shares 4 health consequences of the emotional burden, what can help
As women juggle household chores, parenting responsibilities, and work deadlines, they are at increasing risk of experiencing mom guilt. They find themselves overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil of feeling like they are not doing enough for their family and children. In a fast-paced work culture that has normalised the hustle, the guilt only presses on, as mothers try to balance both work and home with equal fervour, but still feel they are falling short on all fronts. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Michelle Shah, a Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, unpacks this silent emotional burden. The effects are far-reaching, impacting their health to career growth. She explained mom guilt and added, 'Motherhood is often portrayed as a journey filled with joy, fulfilment and boundless love. Yet, for many women, this experience is accompanied by persistent feelings of guilt, self-doubt and overwhelm, a phenomenon widely known as 'mom guilt'. Today, a large number of working mothers find themselves walking a tightrope, expected to excel in their careers while managing the lion's share of caregiving responsibilities. This unrelenting pressure fuels a pervasive yet often overlooked emotional burden of guilt.' Dr Michelle Shah shared a detailed guide with us, explaining the origins of mom guilt to the health consequences: ALSO READ: Mother's Day 2025: Expert tips to support the mental wellbeing of working, stay-at-home and single moms From a health standpoint, mom guilt is not just a psychological challenge; it's a silent contributor to chronic disease. The mental strain manifests physically, affecting long-term well-being: Companies, policymakers, and communities must actively create environments where maternal well-being is prioritised. Solutions may include: 1. Flexible work policies: Encouraging adequate maternity leave, hybrid models, remote work and adaptable schedules that enable mothers to balance professional and family responsibilities. 2. Access to mental health support: Providing counselling services, mental wellness programs and emotional resilience training for parents. 3. Promoting workplace inclusion: Normalising caregiving duties among all employees, regardless of gender, to reduce the pressure on mothers alone. 4. Health-centered solutions: Encouraging mothers to embrace lifestyle medicine practices, such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness, as essential steps in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. ALSO READ: Mother's Day 2025: 5 yoga poses for mothers to recharge and relax Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Mint
Why it's important to discuss childbirth without shaming
If I'm being honest, I don't look to Bollywood's male action leads for nuanced takes on feminism or women's health. Especially not the villain-thrashing, damsel-rescuing heroes of the 90s, whose idea of strength was all about throwing punches and muscle flexing. So, Suniel Shetty praising his daughter Athiya for choosing a 'natural" birth over the 'comfort" of a C-section wasn't exactly shocking. It was disappointing. The actor has since gone on to apologize for the comment, but one can't help but point out that it's 2025 and we're still applauding childbirth choices like they're Olympic feats, while dismissing women who choose (or need) otherwise. Also read: Mother's Day 2025: How women diagnosed with severe ailments cope with motherhood Shetty's words aren't just outdated; they're dangerous! When public figures frame vaginal birth as a badge of 'strength" and C-sections as 'comfort," they reinforce stereotypes that harm women, affecting their mental health, self-worth and even medical decisions. THE MENTAL HEALTH TOLL OF BIRTH SHAMING 'I've worked with many clients who've experienced guilt or shame after a C-section," says Madhumita Bhattacharya, a counselling psychologist and the founder of MindBodyAlly, from Bengaluru. These feelings are often intensified by comments from family or society that question a mother's strength or commitment if they didn't deliver vaginally. 'Statements like 'you couldn't bear the pain for your child?' can be deeply hurtful," explains Bhattacharya. As a perinatal mental health expert, she has often seen this internal conflict overshadowing the joy of childbirth. The guilt keeps mothers emotionally stuck in the birthing moment and acts as a deterrent to their recovery and bonding with the baby. 'When a woman feels she didn't meet a socially praised standard, it can increase her risk for perinatal mental health issues. It can create grief or even aversion toward future pregnancies, with questions like 'Am I a good mother?" or 'Did I take the easy way out?", Bhattacharya adds. ARE C-SECTIONS THE EASY WAY OUT? 'I am often asked this question and there is never a clear black or white answer," says Dr Sandhya Rani, a senior consultant (OB-GYN) and managing partner and consultant at Focus Polyclinic, Kundalahalli, Bengaluru. While caesareans can be more comfortable till the baby arrives, post-delivery recovery for vaginal births is often a longer process. Hence, the decision to opt for a particular modality, is not based on societal or moral pressure, but on medical indications and the woman's preferences. Rani dismantles some common C-section stereotypes: Myth 1: C-sections mean you're 'weak".Reality: They're performed for emergencies like foetal distress, haemorrhaging or conditions like preeclampsia. Myth 2: Recovery takes Most women resume activity within 6 weeks, comparable to vaginal birth. Myth 3: Spinal anaesthesia causes chronic Postpartum backache stems from pregnancy, not delivery method, and is similar for both vaginal and C-section births. WHY CELEBRITY OPINIONS ARE HARMFUL When public figures equate birthing methods with strength, they ignore medical realities such as foetal distress, maternal diabetes/hypertension, placenta complications, bleeding or IVF pregnancies after years of infertility. 'Judging birth choices harms mental and physical health," stresses Rani. 'A woman needing a C-section isn't 'weak'; she's making the safest choice for herself and the baby. It's her body, her choice, and we support her all the way." Also read: Planning pregnancy after 35? Here's what you should know Even well-meaning praise from public figures, like calling someone's vaginal birth 'brave" or 'strong", can unintentionally create pressure for other women. This kind of comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure and, in some cases, compel women to push themselves into an unprepared and potentially traumatic birth experience. DISCUSS BIRTH OPTIONS WITHOUT BIAS Rather than ranking childbirth methods, experts urge families and society to acknowledge women's concerns, help them understand their options and seek evidence-based guidance from trusted professionals. Bhattacharya adds a crucial reminder: 'Personal preferences should never be presented as universal truths. What works for one may not be right, or even safe, for another. True support means empowering the woman, not imposing pressure." The decision between vaginal delivery and caesarean section is rarely made in isolation. It's typically the result of ongoing clinical assessment and consultations between the obstetrician, specialists and the pregnant woman along with her partner. 'While shared decision-making matters, involving too many external opinions can cloud judgment," notes Rani. This is a medical and personal choice, not a public debate, she adds. At the end of the day, childbirth is about what's safest and best for both mother and baby. Whether it's a vaginal delivery or C-section, what matters is that the decision is made with proper medical advice and respect for the woman's choice. 'As doctors, our job is to provide all the information and support needed during pregnancy. When delivery day comes, the mother can make confident decisions, whether that means using pain relief options or opting for a caesarean," Rani says. It's time to shift the narrative. From unsolicited opinions to unwavering support, from comparison to empowerment. In the end, what truly matters is a healthy mother and child. Bhattacharya sums it up rightly: 'Every birth is valid." Debarati Chakraborty is an independent journalist, who writes on wellness, relationships and sexuality. Also read: Why it's time to break the 'supermom' myth and embrace the 'good enough' mom
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Hans India
Yatra to create awareness on parenthood begins
Vijayawada: East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao said here on Friday that awareness around fertility remains limited, especially in underserved regions where stigma and misconceptions persist. He was the chief guest at the 'Oasis Janani Yatra' organised by Oasis Fertility. The MLA said that it was good that the Oasis Janani Yatra was dedicated to bridge this gap by providing reliable medical guidance and support to those who need it most. By fostering open conversations and dispelling long-held myths, this campaign empowers couples to make informed decisions on their path to parenthood. Oasis Janani Yatra, a 30-day, 30-town journey across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, started from Vijayawada on Mother's Day on Friday. Dr Krishna Chaitanya M, Scientific Head and Clinical Embryologist of Oasis Fertility and Dr Venkata Sujatha Vellanki, Regional Medical Head and Fertility Specialist of Oasis Fertility, Dr Tripura, Dr Vellanki Sridevi, Dr Somalatha along with other dignitaries participated.
