April 2023
Karen
Robbins
,
RN
Family Birth Center
St. Joseph Medical Center - Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Tacoma
,
WA
United States
She held my leg while I pushed and encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. She showed me such kindness and truly made me feel safe.
I first met Karen when I was about 33 weeks pregnant in L&D experiencing severe rib pain and bleeding. I had a very traumatic birth with my first and was scared but Karen was so comforting and assured me everything was going to be okay. She was right, my water didn’t break until I was 38 weeks pregnant. I was admitted at night and in the morning as nurses were hanging over I noticed a familiar face, it was Karen! She remembered me too and was so excited to be there for the birth of my baby. I was attempting an unmediated birth after cesarean and Karen was by my side through it all supporting me. She was such a great comfort to me, constantly reassuring me that the baby was okay. She held my leg while I pushed and encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. She showed me such kindness and truly made me feel safe. My daughter is almost one now and I still think of Karen often and how wonderful she made my birth experience. She left a lasting impression on me and my family and we are forever grateful for her.