Things are certainly different right now at Columbus Regional Health, but our mission to improve the health and well being of the people we serve has never been clearer as we continue to prepare and put into effect plans for addressing COVID-19.

Here's a heartwarming snapshot from the family of Dakota and Trista Krueger who welcomed their new baby daughter Braelyn at CRH this week, as told by Columbus Regional Health's Birthing Center manager Deanna Abel.

"It melted my heart when I saw the family taking pictures from the sidewalk and aiming their cameras up at the second floor windows while dad was holding Braelyn up to the window.

When I approached the family, the great grandmother of Braelyn was crying because she said it was so emotional to not be able to hold and see her second great grandchild.

Dakota Krueger holds his newborn daughter Braelyn in the window for family members standing outside the Birthing Center.

They discussed how difficult everything is right now, but especially difficult for families who are having babies. What should be a celebration with a room full of family has been restricted to one support person only for the mom.

The difficulties have been shared by moms all over Indiana and elsewhere, and I have been heartbroken when I read the comments.

As a Labor & Delivery nurse of 25 years, my heart hurts with these new mothers and their families. I love being in the deliveries with a room full of cheerleaders who clap and scream to celebrate the birth!

Dakota, Trista and daughter Braelyn Krueger.

However, I am also a nurse and know the dangers of COVID-19, and we must do everything possible to protect our moms and babies from contracting the virus.

I was moved to tears when I saw Trista's family outside taking the photos because I knew that they understood why we have such restrictions, and they found a way to still celebrate with the new mom and dad."

For the latest COVID-19 related information and instructions about visitor restrictions at Columbus Regional Hospital, please read Coronavirus Update: What You Need to Know.