Aleksandra Swierzb, BSN, RN, CFM

My nurse was phenomenal from the start. I came in early October, stayed overnight, and was very happy to have Aleks again the next morning when I delivered. I felt extremely heard, cared about, and attended to during my visit. I was extremely scared, and Aleks did everything she could to make me feel comfortable. She answered all my questions, was extremely informative, and patient with me. I was emotional during my time at the hospital for many reasons. I found out during my stay that Aleks, whose name is the same as mine, was also pregnant.

One of the reasons I was emotional was missing my brother, who passed away, and I found out that she was going to name her son the same name as my brother. I felt like it was a sign and felt immediate comfort on top of her excellent care for me. It was a spiritual comfort that I truly can’t describe in words, but at that moment, I knew I was being watched and protected by my brother during my delivery. When the time came for me to push, Aleks got asked to attend to something else and did not want to leave me, but was able to come back when it was time for delivery. She cheered me on during my final pushes and cared for me after my delivery.

When all was said and done, and my beautiful baby was born, Aleks came to my bedside, squeezed my hand, and told me I did it. It felt very genuine and brought me happiness and peace. My delivery was 16 hours long. There were a few moments when I had severe pain and discomfort, and when I pushed my call button, she was there in seconds doing all she could, whether it was assisting with a new position or giving me more meds. I still think about my delivery experience 6 weeks later and how blessed I was to have had her by my side. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better nurse or birthing experience. Everyone should have an Aleks when they are going through their birthing experience.