Hello,
My name is Jacqueline, and I was recently discharged…read morefrom Del Amo Hospital on July 4 at approximately 06:00. I was hospitalized for postpartum depression and placed on a 51/50 hold.
Initially, I was terrified and didn't know what to expect. As a nursing mother, I had many concerns about being separated from my baby and maintaining my milk supply. Fortunately, many members of the staff helped make a very difficult experience more manageable.
I would especially like to recognize Raymona, Shirley (with piercings), Jocelyn, Deborah, Diego and Ryan. They were kind, attentive, compassionate, and professional. They treated me with dignity and empathy during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. Other staff members were also kind, and I wish I remembered all of their names so I could acknowledge them as well. For the most part, the rooms and common areas were kept clean, and I felt that patients were generally treated with respect and listened to.
Unfortunately, I also experienced a very frightening and traumatic interaction with Nurse Tatiana.
On my first night at the hospital, she withheld my breast pump despite my repeatedly explaining that, as a breastfeeding mother, I needed to pump every three to four hours to avoid pain, engorgement, and potential complications. I first requested my breast pump around 19:30. but was not given access to it until approximately 23:00, despite making multiple requests and returning to the nurses' station several times.
During that time, my left breast became severely engorged, I was leaking breast milk, and I was in significant physical pain and emotional distress. I cried in the hallway because I felt helpless. Rather than showing compassion, Nurse Tatiana approached me, stood only a few inches from my face, and repeatedly asked in an aggressive tone, "Why are you crying? What have I done to you?" Her demeanor was intimidating and made me feel frightened. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, this interaction was especially triggering and left me feeling unsafe.
Fortunately, three other staff members intervened on my behalf and insisted that I receive my breast pump. I am grateful for their advocacy.
When I later asked Nurse Tatiana for her name, she refused to identify herself and was not wearing a name badge. After asking several times without receiving an answer, a kind Asian nurse with her hair in a bun provided me with Tatiana's name and explained how to file a grievance. I submitted a written grievance before my discharge.
I respectfully ask that this incident be thoroughly reviewed. Please, look at the cameras and verify what I am telling you is true with other staff members. I believe Nurse Tatiana would benefit from additional training in trauma-informed care, compassionate communication, and the unique needs of postpartum and breastfeeding patients. Patients admitted to psychiatric facilities are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and they deserve to be treated with patience, dignity, and respect.
Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, I worked for seven years as an immigration case manager serving vulnerable populations, including individuals with severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and those with extensive criminal histories. Regardless of a person's background or circumstances, I always believed every individual deserved to be treated with respect, professionalism, and compassion. That same standard should be upheld in a behavioral health setting.
I also noticed that on my belongings inventory, Tatiana wrote the word "chonis" instead of "underwear." While this may seem minor, I found it unprofessional and inconsistent with the level of professionalism patients should expect.
Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. I appreciate the many staff members who cared for me with kindness, and I hope my experience can help improve the care provided to future patients, especially postpartum mothers who are already navigating an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline
