Dawnlin Laplume
August 2020
Dawnlin
Laplume
,
RN
L&D
St. Joseph's Hospitals and South Florida Baptist Hospital
Tampa
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

I was admitted to the labor and delivery unit. I was anxious and determined to do everything possible to dilate my cervix, so I didn't really sleep much throughout the time I was admitted till when Dawnlin came aboard at 7 am. Little did I know what a blessing she was going to be.
From the moment she came along I was more motivated and felt confident about labor because she helped me mobilize by letting me go wireless with the gadget that monitored the baby's BPM and my contractions. The gadget was difficult, but she got it functioning and by her being persistent I was able to walk and sit on the exercise ball. The cube change positions freely and used the peanut.
Also, Dawnlin gave me pointers on how to breathe through contractions and gave me words of encouragement when I was going through desperation because of the pain. She kept me focused! She taught me how to use nitrous oxide and how to breathe while using it. She went above and beyond by giving me access to a shower in warm water to help keep me relaxed. She wrapped up my IV and continued to encourage me. She taught my husband how to apply pressure to my back and even did it herself. She truly became my rock out of all the people in my room. I knew as the time was getting closer that I could not breathe without her.
As her shift ended my time to push got closer and the pain was climaxing. I will always be grateful that Dawnlin picked me over everything and stayed past her shift to help me give birth. Locking my eyes to her I felt strength and I did it!

Note: This is Dawnlin's 2nd DAISY Award!