Love, attention and care during pregnancy

With many dreams and hopes to begin her nursing studies, Natalia Rocío enrolled in the nursing program in Girardot. However, shortly after starting her classes, she received the news that would change her life completely: a baby was on the way, and she would soon be a mother.

“In one of my classes, a teacher told me about the Friendly Unit, and I went to see what it was all about. They gave me a check-up and provided me with very valuable information. It was my first baby, and I had doubts and fears,” the student said, recalling how the support from UCundinamarca was fundamental to continuing her studies.

Natalia's pregnancy wasn't going well; she had some health problems, including placenta previa in the first trimester and then a threat of premature labor. However, the support of the nursing students doing their practicum there and the supervising teachers was crucial.

“They helped me so that I could study, so that despite my health problems, the teachers understood what was happening. They gave me psychological support and also gave me checkups to monitor my health. I also received important tips and information,” the student explained.

Upon entering the second semester, Natalia had to suspend her studies due to a threat of premature labor, and it was not advisable for her to attend classes. However, the senior students who were serving at the Friendly Unit visited her at home and monitored her, also providing her with information about childbirth, the baby's first days, and the care that both should receive during the first months.

“It was a great support, I really enjoyed being on the program because I felt supported, I felt that I could continue with my studies and fulfill my dreams,” said Natalia, who is currently in her fourth semester.

The new surprise

After the baby's birth, Natalia visited the Friendly Unit and introduced her baby to the staff. She also told them she would be returning to continue her studies. "My baby used to come to class with me before the pandemic started; sometimes my mom couldn't take care of her.".

A year and a half has passed since the beautiful girl was born and Natalia is expecting another baby. “In December I found out I was pregnant, fortunately my family and my husband supported me, but it was very hard because of all the health problems and the age at which my daughter is,” explained the student.

Natalia began using a subdermal implant after her pregnancy, but it caused health problems and triggered an autoimmune disease she was born with called scleroderma, so she had to stop using her contraceptive method. However, before she could use another method, she became pregnant again and is now only 15 weeks along and has been diagnosed with a risk of miscarriage.

With dreams intact

Natalia wants to continue studying, she has the support of her family and wants to return to request attention from the Friendly Unit. "For me, it was very important to have the support of the University of Cundinamarca," said the young woman.

At 19, Natalia still dreams of graduating from the Nursing program and giving her children a life with everything they deserve. Being pregnant and thinking about another baby gives her more strength to move forward for them and for her family.

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