In Tribute to a Loved One

by Janie Rakow

 

During our recent doula webinar, An Opportunity to Come Together, one of our doulas mentioned how her hospital is helping isolated COVID patients.  They are using two-way baby monitors in the patient’s rooms to communicate. The monitors allow social workers and chaplains to speak to patients more frequently without having to don precious PPE. 

I know first-hand how helpful this could have been for a relative of mine. Her family was not permitted to be with her in the hospital. She was lonely, terrified, and isolated. She died after spending one week in the hospital.  I am convinced that a baby monitor would have made her journey easier.

From that experience, I have made it my mission to raise money to donate baby monitors to local hospitals.  INELDA has donated 30 monitors to a local hospital here in New Jersey.  With the help of people locally, I have ordered 100 monitors to be distributed to New Jersey and New York hospitals that have asked for them.  One hospital has currently asked for 126 monitors, and I am working on that now.  Please consider contacting your local hospitals.  The need is great and as doulas, you can make a difference.