The moment I met Kristen, I knew she had my back. As a first time mom, I didn't know what to expect. Had my water broken? Are these contractions as bad as I think they are? Are they going to turn me around to go home? Kristen was kind and welcoming, but also made me laugh, and made me comfortable. With my doctor being out of town, I was already unsure of who would be delivering my baby, but I knew with Kristen in my corner, I'd have as close to a perfect L&D as possible. After about an hour and a half waiting in the triage room, she came in to let me know she had assisted in talking the on-call doctor into admitting me. She also had already asked me my preference for epidural. I shared with her I'd like it as early as possible so I can remember this experience in a positive light. After telling me we were staying, she then said she would go ahead and get my epidural going. She listened to my requests and concerns and made them completely go away! By the time I checked into my room, got my epidural, I still was only 1.5-2cm dilated, and it was time for her shift to end. I was truly sad to see her go and told her I fully believe nurses can make or break your experience and she had been so great! I didn't want to see her go.
Then, her relief was Reagan. Reagan was also so kind and made me feel so comfortable. I was never nervous or unsure of anything with these two women guiding me. Reagan was about my age or even a little younger, so we had a lot in common that we discussed during my time there (working out, nail polish color, wedding rings, etc.); it was like I had an old friend by my side. There was a time she checked me and I was nearly 100% thinned but still hadn't dilated much, but she wasn't sure about that and instead of just making an assumption and working around it, she had another nurse come in to solidify whatever it was she was looking for confirmation around. As I quickly went from 2-7cm, and then it was time to deliver, she became my coach. She talked me through what to expect, how to breathe, kept me calm, reassured me I was doing great, and told me they never see first-time moms push as I had. I felt so proud of myself, truly! Within 20 minutes, my baby was here, and while he was upstairs getting a second look at his oxygen levels, she reassured me he was okay and continued to get me back in tip-top shape. Again, all while talking like we were old friends. As she took me to the 4th floor, I asked her if she was going to be staying with me, but she was not, so I made a point to tell her how grateful I was to her and Kristen.
If it wasn't for Kristen vouching for me to stay to the on-call doctor (she was going to send me home because my water had not yet broken and I was only 1cm dilated), I could've very well had this baby back at home! And if it wasn't for her careful, yet fun, level of care and Reagan's comfort and casual demeanor, I truly don't think I would've walked out of that hospital as fast as I did and not nearly as impressed with the care as I was.
A few hours later, in walks my triage nurse, Kristen starting her next shift. She just came in to check on me, congratulate me and shared her surprise over my quick delivery. How thoughtful after going home, sleeping and upon starting your day, you think to come back in! We were so impressed.
Thank you, Kristen and Reagan, for making my first experience becoming a mother one I'll never forget, and for all the right reasons. You guys are the real MVPs.