When Olivia Piene discovered she was pregnant again, she was overwhelmed with both joy and fear. Having lost a set of twins in 2021, she wasn’t sure what to expect the second time around.
Alone, anxious, and considered high-risk due to a short cervix, Olivia spent much of her pregnancy on edge, counting down the weeks, fearing another loss, and making near-daily visits to the doctor just to be sure everything was okay.
“I know the nurses got tired of seeing me,” she said, laughing. “My anxiety was through the roof.”
During a follow-up appointment with her primary care doctor, Olivia was introduced to the Nurse-Family Partnership, a long-term program through South Carolina First Steps that pairs registered nurses with first-time moms from pregnancy through their child’s second birthday. Initially hesitant, Olivia declined the offer.
“I told them, I’m good. I don’t need help,” she recalled. But something—an instinct—told her to reconsider. “I thought, let me just go ahead and take this opportunity to learn more about the program.”
That choice, she now says, changed her and her son Ja’dore’s life forever.
Though Olivia had supportive family and friends, it was her nurse, Dwan Sullivan, who became her steady anchor. From baby supplies like formula and diapers to emotional support, Dwan offered more than just healthcare, she provided comfort and connection.
“It’s a great program for advice, education, resources and referrals,” Dwan said. “Our nurses are someone that you can reach out to when you're not able to get your pediatrician or your OB. As first-time moms, you might feel the slightest little pain, and you freak out and you want to go to the ER. They can tell you, hey, that's something that's normal to be experiencing during pregnancy.”
Olivia’s nurse provided a calming presence and reassurance that allowed Olivia to relax and address her own needs during the pregnancy.
“Having the nurse there to help me through the challenges of being a mom and just being that person I needed, it meant so much,” Olivia said. “She gave me a chance to take a deep breath and feel like, okay, I have someone in my corner.”
Dwan also guided Olivia through postpartum depression and moments of doubt when her son, born weeks before Olivia’s due date, wasn’t meeting the typical developmental milestones for his age. As he grew, Olivia became increasingly concerned.
“When he turned 18 months and still wasn’t walking, I was afraid something was wrong,” she said.
Olivia made an appointment with a physical therapist, but Nurse Dwan reminded her that children develop at their own pace and not to worry. Miraculously, just days before the appointment, Ja’dore stood up and walked. “I just needed to let him walk on his own time,” Olivia shared.
Now thriving, Ja’dore’s development has taken off, with a growing vocabulary, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. Picture books and sensory activities from Dwan have helped Olivia teach him numbers and letters.
“I truly believe this program has helped me teach him at home,” Olivia said. “When he starts daycare, he’ll already know so much, maybe even be ahead of his class.”
As she nears the end of the Nurse-Family Partnership program, Olivia reflects on her journey with gratitude.
“It’s a blessing to be a mom,” she said, tearing up. “I lost my kids the first time, so having this opportunity to finally be Ja’dore’s mom, it truly means everything to me.”
Olivia cherishes their adventures together, from zoo trips to afternoons at the children’s museum, soaking in the joy of motherhood.
Her message to other mothers is simple but powerful:
“This is a great program, especially for single moms looking for support, whether they're pregnant, new to parenting, or just trying to find their way. It doesn’t matter if the dad is in the picture or not. Having the right people in your life makes all the difference.”
Learn more about Nurse Family Partnership and other Health Programs offered by First Steps.
Topics:
Health, Parenting, Home Visiting
