Deb was on from 6:30 AM-3 PM while we were in the hospital for a scheduled induction. While my husband and I did not have a birthing plan and remained open to all forms of care, we did not expect or intend to need them. Throughout the day as contractions and labor progressed, Deb took the time to explain each option to us.
Initially, it was small position changes to ease lower back pain such as bouncing on the ball or using the tub. She assured me it was all about what baby and I needed at the time and if I did not like it then it was something that we could stop at a moment's notice. We loved that she did not direct care or tell us what was "the best option" but rather provided options and allowed us to write our own story.
Throughout this time, we had shared stories of how we found out we were pregnant and had nicknamed our baby. Deb had laughed and used the nickname throughout the day as well. After laboring for a few hours, I expressed how uncomfortable I was and she said, "Let's reassess our plan," sensing the tub and position changes were not enough at that time. Once we did, I opted for an epidural. All consent forms were signed, and the anesthesiologist was waiting to begin the procedure. Per protocol Deb checked my cervix to find an abnormal amount of bleeding; she turned to the anesthesiologist and said, "Stop, we are not doing this. We need to get the doctor in here. I am not happy with the amount of bleeding."
After, she took the time to explain to my husband and me why it was an abnormal amount of blood and why the doctor was then recommending a cesarean. Before going into surgery, I told my husband, "Do not name our child without me," Deb said, "Don't worry, I won't let that happen," but we shared our names for each sex.
As I was put under general anesthesia, my husband was the first to meet our newborn and Deb brought out the little bundle to reveal the sex of our baby, take photos and capture the special moment. Once I returned to the suite, she did the same for me just before leaving as her shift was over. Over the next couple of days stay we compared all of our nurses to her.
While they were all wonderful and our experience was greater than ever expected, that one day was especially memorable and put us at ease because of the person who spent it with us. Days later, I called to reschedule an appointment when she had answered the phone. I gave my name and reason for calling. She had remembered exactly who I was and asked, "Did you end up naming him?" I was so touched that she not only remembered us from several days before but the name we were considering as well. I instantly had tears in my eyes. She had taken our open birthing plan and vision and made it an experience that, though far from what we expected, could not have been any better. That connection was sustained beyond the birthing room and we could not be more grateful for that.