I went through 25 hours of labor with my first child this December. I was scared exhausted hungry and overwhelmed. Through every emotion, Charm was there to help me feel comfortable heard, and cared for.

When it was time to take my epidural I was unaware my support person would have to leave the room. I instantly was overcome with nerves and fear about the situation as needles have never been my strong point. Charm not only held me to keep me still for the epidural but she rubbed my back told me how awesome I was doing and comforted me just like my support person would have. From that moment on I felt bonded with her.

Later in the labor process, my body was not progressing as it should have been. Based on some news from my doctor I became overwhelmed with the fear that I would not be able to deliver my baby. Hormones had overcome me and I cried and cried. Charm rubbed my face with a wet towel and reminded me of how great I had been doing all day. She used terms like “We’re going to have this baby. You can do it, momma. Think about all your body has already done. You’re doing great.” Just having those words of affirmation when I was so scared and so overly tired was incredibly reassuring and I want her to know how much that meant to me.

I vomited at one point from nausea and she quickly jumped into action to help me. She never left the room without asking me what I needed or making sure I was okay. She was always gentle and nurturing and always did her best to answer all of my questions and explain anything I didn’t understand.

Laboring is such an emotional experience and so scary and unexpected. Charm genuinely went out of her way to make me feel comfortable and this process was so much easier because of her. I will ever be grateful for her as she quickly became a friend, ally, and comforter when she was only required to be a caregiver. She embodies what makes a great nurse and she deserves to be recognized for all she did for me on the hardest most emotional day of my life.