I vividly recall my first ultrasound experience. Lying on the exam table with my partner by my side, I divided my attention between the flickering image on the screen and the technician’s expression. My excitement fluctuated based on her subtle facial cues, though she maintained a calm, professional demeanor throughout.
I remember asking if everything was alright and holding my breath for her response. The relief I felt when she confirmed that all was well, paired with her smile as she began to explain what we were seeing, was unforgettable.
After that appointment, I didn’t give much thought to the technician or the patients that might follow me or those who had come before. However, a recent video by Mia Thompson, a diagnostic medical sonographer, has changed that.
In the video set to “Grace Kelly” by Mika, Thompson describes her job with enthusiasm, expressing how fortunate she feels to observe fetal development daily. Then, she shifts to a somber tone, stating, “Until days like today.”
On the day of her video, which has garnered over 2.3 million views, she scanned a 38-week fetal demise and was the first to detect the heartbreaking news. She shared, “Today I embraced a mother as she trembled with sorrow. I reassured her repeatedly that she hadn’t done anything wrong. I held back my tears until she left the room, then took a moment to gather myself before welcoming the next expectant mother, who was excited to learn her baby’s gender.”
Through her words, Thompson provides a poignant glimpse into the often-overlooked challenges faced by professionals in her field, who must swiftly transition from moments of grief to joy.
Many people don’t realize that the same rooms where joyous announcements are made are also the ones where devastating news is delivered. The technicians who share in the joy of one family can also be the bearers of heart-wrenching news for another. Thompson highlights the emotional resilience required in such roles.
Emotional Resilience in Healthcare
In an interview with TODAY Parents, Thompson explained how she reacts when she notices abnormalities on an ultrasound. “I almost switch into autopilot mode,” she said. It’s crucial for her to gather data—measurements and images—for the physician, without allowing her emotions to surface. Any hint of sadness on her part could affect the patient’s emotional state, making it harder to collect vital information.
Once she completes the technical aspects of her job, the personal connection can begin. “I’ll reach out and touch the patient’s hand,” she said. “It’s a way to connect. Then I’ll mention, ‘Things don’t look as I had hoped, so I’m going to fetch the doctor.’”
“I want them to see me as a real person who genuinely cares,” Thompson added. “These experiences stay with me long after they leave.”
Despite some online backlash suggesting she was judging a mother excited about her baby’s gender, Thompson clarified her intentions. “What I meant to convey is that I have to quickly regroup after witnessing a loss,” she told TODAY Parents. “I have to enter the next room energetic and joyful, even though my heart is still heavy for the mother who just received devastating news.”
Thompson’s ability to compartmentalize her emotions allows her to provide the support each mother needs—acknowledging one’s grief while celebrating another’s joy. Her job demands emotional agility, a skill that is often undervalued.
Most in her profession don’t last long due to the emotional toll. Thompson, however, has found her calling over the last ten years. “You’re the first to know when something is wrong,” she remarked. “It takes a significant emotional toll, but I know this is where I belong.”
A Personal Reflection
Having experienced difficult conversations with healthcare providers myself, I hold a deep appreciation for the technicians, doctors, and nurses who navigated my grief with compassion. Their kindness, like that of Thompson, is unforgettable and impactful. I hope she and others in similar roles recognize how much their empathy makes a difference.
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Summary
This article highlights the emotional challenges faced by ultrasound technicians, particularly when delivering difficult news to expectant parents. Mia Thompson, a diagnostic medical sonographer, shares her experiences of balancing grief and joy in her profession. She emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience and genuine connection with patients during challenging times. The article serves as a reminder of the compassion and strength required in healthcare roles, especially when navigating the profound emotions surrounding pregnancy and loss.