Trinity Health Muskegon Nurses Make First-time Mom’s Wish Come True

Michele Rohloff and her husband Justin were excited about giving birth to their first child in February 2023. They had recently reviewed a checklist of items to complete before the baby’s arrival, which included Michele’s scheduled maternity photo shoot.

But on Dec. 30, 2022, when she and Justin were grocery shopping, the unexpected happened — Michele’s water broke early — at 33 weeks! “It was not part of our birth plan!” Michele said.

When her doctor was informed, the plan changed again. Michele would be confined to bedrest in the hospital and scheduled for a C-section.

Under these circumstances, Michele was sure there was no way she could participate in her maternity photo shoot, and she was grieving that loss.

“I had already purchased a dress for the maternity photos,” she shared.

Colleagues Rally Around Michele

The Roholffs had heard about photographer Noemi Binagatan from a mutual friend. Noemi is a Heart Surgery nurse at Trinity Health Muskegon and an accomplished professional photographer* during her off hours.

When Noemi learned about Michele’s situation, she was determined to help this mom have the photo shoot that meant so much to her. They would just have to do it in the hospital.

“Noemi was so kind and caring…so quick to respond,” said Michele. “On January first, she came up to our room and brought lights and a variety of dresses for me to wear. She made me feel so comfortable, despite being in a hospital. Noemi made it fun and special and did an amazing job.”

After taking photos in Michele’s hospital room, Noemi suggested they move into the hallway. That’s when the Labor and Delivery Nurse Ashley Cummings had a suggestion: “If we’re quick about it, we can place you in the wheelchair and take you to the lobby near the Christmas tree.”

For Michele to leave her room, it was necessary to coordinate with the clinical team.

Ashley offered to accompany Michele during the photo shoot to ensure that she and the baby were safe.

“In a situation where Michele had very little control, I thought I could help her out,” said Ashley. “I was thinking about my maternity shoot and how I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out.”

In addition to attending to Michele from a medical standpoint, Ashley helped with Michele’s hair and made sure that her hospital socks were not in the photos.

“I was happy I could support and help Michele create that memory. She looked stunning and the pictures turned out beautiful. It is something they can cherish for years to come.”

Her Trinity Health Experience

Michele was extremely grateful.

“Ashley was a super sweetheart. Everyone at Trinity Health is amazing. I’ve been really stressed out. They’ve made everything better.”

As the photos show, Michele had several wardrobe changes and backgrounds to choose from — just as she would have had if her water hadn’t broken early.

“We made it happen,” said Noemi. It was an awesome and humbling experience. I think we were able to help Michele emotionally. It was rewarding to make such a difference for someone just by doing what I love to do.”

Michele said she would definitely recommend Trinity Health Muskegon.

“The nurses checked on me throughout the day, and they are clearly meant for this job because they are kind and caring. They don’t just check on you — they actually ask if they can get you anything.”

Michele did have a C-section and on Jan. 8 (33 weeks, 5 days). She and Justin are now the proud parents of Raevyn Kai Rohloff.

Looking back, this new mom said that she believes everything happens for a reason.

“I never would have wanted my maternity photos taken in a hospital, but now I’m glad that it happened. It makes the photos that much more special because we have a unique story to tell about them.”

*Noemi Binagatan Photography www.noemibinagatanphotography