I was so nervous before my planned c-section. I entered Labor and Delivery in near tears. My first c-section had been traumatic and there were certain things that I hoped would go differently this time, mainly my management of pain; I did not want Ketamine. I met Amanda and she instantly put me at ease, telling me about her own experiences with c-sections, listening to my concerns and reassuring me about every step of the process. She also told me that we had two goals- Goal #1 Healthy baby and Mama, Goal #2- avoid Ketamine as a last resort.

When we entered the operating room and I was shaking as they gave me my spinal she held me and reassured me that it would all be ok. When the same thing happened as happened in my past with this c section- spinal stopped working and I felt all the pain- and the anesthesiologist said that they were going to give me Ketamine, she backed me up when I declined. I was given other pain medication and I emerged from my c-section feeling calm and ready to bond with baby. The whole experience was not traumatic at all, but handled calmly and thoughtfully. Through the initial recovery phase Amanda was incredibly attentive and positive, making sure I had everything I needed. She is the reason I had a much better c-section experience this time and I will reflect positively on this experience birthing my baby. I am so grateful to her!