I have been asked many times why I would want to deliver where I work. I've never questioned whether or not to deliver my babies at Eskenazi and a significant reason why is Handan Langham. It can be challenging to go from nurse to patient on the floor on which one works. However, Handan possesses the capability to calm nerves and get her patients delivered, making the labor process as enjoyable and short as it can be. I trust her with not only my life, but my child's as well. Things can change quickly during labor, but Handan gave me the peace of mind that I could take my nurse hat off and just be her patient. The course of labor is constantly changing, at times unexpectedly. Handan met me exactly where I was every step of the way.

When I first arrived and was nervous because I was hoping to go into labor on my own and not need to be induced, Handan reassured me and gave me the confidence that I could still have the delivery I envisioned with or without an induction. When the pitocin kept getting higher without any cervical change and I was feeling discouraged, Handan once again reassured me and knew I just needed my bag of water to break. Once it did, labor got intense. The pain was quickly escalating and Handan once again met me where I was reassuring me that I could do this. She never left my side when I needed her reassurance and encouragement most and allowed me the autonomy to labor however I wanted. She never once questioned how I was moving and never asked me to move to make her job easier. She encouraged me to listen to my body to be in a position least painful for me.

I ultimately delivered my Baby Boy fairly precipitously in an unconventional position, but Handan showed no signs of stress or panic. She called everyone she needed to for delivery, but I knew if they didn't make it in time, I was in excellent hands with Handan and trusted her completely.

Following delivery, I had a rather large postpartum hemorrhage. I didn't realize how big of a hemorrhage it was until it was over because Handan's calm demeanor never dissipated. She did her famous fundal massages with purpose and care until the hemorrhage was resolving. The aftermath of any hemorrhage is messy. Handan got me up to the shower and washed the blood off of me in a dignified manner and had new linens placed on my bed. Even though it was shift change when I delivered, then hemorrhaged, I never got the sense that Handan was rushing to leave. She ensured that I was stable and clean before she went home.

Handan doesn't get enough credit for all she does on the 5th floor. She's not a flashy or loud nurse, but her nursing skills are phenomenal and she embodies what every nurse strives to be. It is clearly evident that Handan's calling is to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. I'm privileged to have been her patient and believe she unquestionably is a DAISY Nurse. It was just another night shift for her doing what she does best, but my family and I could never thank Handan enough for helping bring our baby into the world in such a compassionate and effortless way. She is the best of the best and the epitome of excellence. When I am asked "why Eskenazi?" my answer is simple: it's Handan Langham.