We’re excited to kick off a new feature, “Five Questions,” that will highlight stars in the Richmond family/childbirth/maternal health field. Every month or so, we’ll post a Q&A that gives you insight into their important work while helping you get to know them a little better, too.
For our first Five Questions, we’re thrilled to bring you this interview with Laurinda Davis, RN, a public health nurse supervisor for Richmond City Health District:
1. What drew you to the field you’re in?
I come from a family of teachers, which connects with nursing because it involves ongoing learning and teaching. Maternal/child nursing is awesome – if you think about the process of conception, gestation, delivery and then having a little person equipped to grow up and have their own personality and flourish – it’s just amazing.
2. What part of your daily work inspires you the most?
I’m most inspired when I can solve an issue that is complex, emotional and/or unusual and provide some insight into the process. I love when our clients return with their babies and express their appreciation for the health care and guidance we have given them.
3. How can RVA keep moving forward as great place for childbearing families?
RVA must respect the role of family support. We must work hard to include the fathers, grandparents and others who are there when providers are not. If we exclude them, they will exclude the client and all our efforts will be in vain.
4. If you could share one piece of wisdom with childbearing families or professionals who serve them, what would it be?
We need to make sure we meet people where they are. If someone is focused on actually finding a place to sleep, we cannot expect them to receive information on safe sleep guidelines for babies. If they are hungry and eating noodles all day, we should not teach about food groups/adequate weight gain and expect them to comply. We must be able to provide empathy and not judge.
5. Tell us about one of your favorite accomplishments.
I have a passion for safe sleep and the importance of grief support. I helped raise money for a single mom to help bury her second baby when the city placed too many restrictions on a memorial if they funded it. It was done with dignity, respect and included her spiritual beliefs. I helped her obtain mental health support and also eventually helped her move out of the slum area that housed so many of the contributing factors in her children’s death. I made her a memorial book with clippings of hair, footprints and family photos to help the siblings remember the baby.
Laurinda, thank you for your inspiring work. I am grateful for you and the kind help and education and empowerment you are offering our community.
Laurinda you are such an inspiration. Keep up the excellent work that you do. As always be blessed.
Laurinda, I’m so touched by the sensitivity and depth of story you shared in your response the final question. Your work is clearly a blessing to this community!
Laurinda, thank you for your heart and compassion as we address the needs and concerns of our patients. Your dedication, professionalism and leadership are evident to all you encounter.
Laurinda is not only a champion of the undeserved, she is a reminder that some angels don’t have their wings yet! Her tireless and selfless efforts should inspire each of us to use the Gifts bestowed on us by our Creator to serve our fellow creations.
Thank you, Laurinda, for your kindness and sensitivity. I’m so deeply touched by your example. You are a Blessing.
Laurinda, we witness many of the things that you do to support women, mothers, children, families and colleagues. Thank you for your dedication and for your heart that is filled with caring. Many blessings to you!
Laurinda, you are a blessing to this community in many ways. You are caring and feel the heartbeat of the people in RVA. I have learned a great deal by just watching you in action!! Thank you for being such an awesome example to follow!
Laurinda, those words of wisdom are awesome and an inspiration to us all. They speak to the servant attitude you provide to your clients every day; meeting them where they are. I encourage you to be blessed with your mission and continue the great works. You go girl!
Laurinda, Great work, we are blessed to have you working with our pregnant mothers, and their family. Thank you for all your labor of love.
Laurinda, thanks for all that you do to support women, children, fathers and their families.