Sarah's Story

Sarah was a new mom and Ashley, her baby, wouldn’t stop crying. For days Ashley had been inconsolable. Sarah was sleep-deprived, upset, scared and completely stressed out. She tried everything she could to make Ashley feel better, but nothing worked.

With no support from family or friends she was at the end of her rope.

At 2:00 a.m. the phone rang at Crisis Nursery. The Intake Counselor, Natalie, answered and heard a woman sobbing. She could hear a baby crying in the background. Natalie’s calming words and understanding tone eventually quieted Sarah and Natalie was able to find out what was going on.

Because Sarah did not own a car, Natalie had a cab bring her and the baby to the Nursery as quickly as possible.

While going through the intake process for Ashley, Sarah said through her tears,

“I am so glad you answered the phone, I had already filled the bathtub.”

Crisis Nursery staff took Ashley to the Emergency Room where they found she had a double ear infection. She was prescribed antibiotics and stayed at the Nursery for several days while Sarah received treatment for postpartum depression and was able to get some much-needed rest.

Sarah joined the Crisis Nursery’s Family Empowerment Program where she received in-home counseling visits, food bags, diapers, and parenting and budgeting classes. Her social worker helped her get back into school and eventually get a better job. All of this helped Ashley to grow and thrive in a safe environment.

Sarah ‘graduated’ from the Family Empowerment Program but still keeps in touch with her friends at the Crisis Nursery.

The amazing staff at the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery helps moms like Sarah every day.

Jane Beckman