I went into the birthing center with painful contractions at 38 weeks pregnant and 1 day with my first baby. We were greeted by our nurse, Jenifer - she had a calm demeanor and a warm smile. She promptly checked to see how dilated I was, and I was sadly only 3cm. She kindly told me not to be discouraged and then left the room to go check what the next steps would be. I was sad because I knew that meant I was probably getting sent home.

Suddenly, my water broke. Instantly, painful, intense contractions followed. The plan changed immediately, and Jenifer got me all set up on an IV. I was mentally ready for the epidural, but my contractions were getting closer together and more intense with each surge. I realized I was dilating very quickly, but really wanted that epidural. When the contractions got even stronger, Jenifer turned to me and said, "There is a big possibility that we won't have enough time to get you the epidural. How are you feeling about that?" I just breathed through my contraction and let those words wash over me. I was absolutely terrified, but I just kept working through each contraction. I had always said I would like to try natural, but this was so intense, I really didn't think I could do it. Jenifer immediately became my biggest cheerleader.

As things got more intense, she cheered louder for me. I could only hear her encouragement. She eventually became louder than the voice inside my head telling me that I wasn't strong enough. She walked me through every step of the labor and helped me not feel scared but empowered. My contractions were getting so intense I began pulling away from my body when they would come out of fear, the intensity just kept increasing. She noticed this and encouraged me to lean into the intensity and give those contractions everything I had so we could bring my daughter down. This completely changed my fear mindset into a tenacious one. I gave it everything I had. With the help of my care team cheering for me and Jenifer guiding my contractions, encouraging me every minute, my daughter finally was here to meet the world. I had never felt more powerful in my life.

Jenifer gave me the birth that I dreamt about, the birth that you see in movies, but think to yourself, "No one really has that kind of experience." Well, I got to because I had an amazing, caring, and passionate nurse to help me find the strength within myself to bring my baby girl into the world. The most special part of it all was that Jenifer got to be the nurse who discharged us the next day. It was a full-circle experience. We were so lucky to have such an amazing experience from start to finish, and we had a fantastic care team. I will remember Jenifer for the rest of my life, and I can't wait to tell my daughter her birth story one day and tell her about the amazing nurse who changed my life all within a few hours. She guided me to find the strength and trust within my body and within myself.