October 2024
Lauren
Bauer
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
St Louis
,
MO
United States
I am so thankful to have had such a competent nurse guide my husband and me through what became an unexpected labor and delivery experience. While it was not at all what we pictured or expected, the confidence and ease with which Lauren provided care reassured us.
After nine months of a completely uncomplicated first pregnancy with our baby girl, some sudden concerning signs appeared at 38 weeks gestation. Our baby’s growth rate dropped significantly in a matter of two weeks, and after a follow-up ultrasound, biophysical profile, and a non-reactive non-stress test, we were sent straight from our late afternoon clinic visit to triage to be evaluated further. (Did I mention this was all occurring right after a very important five-hour interview I had that day? Stressful.) In addition to our baby’s NST continuing to be non-reactive, I was experiencing the new development of very high blood pressures and protein in my urine. Although our preference was to allow labor to begin naturally, we were strongly encouraged to go ahead with induction to ensure our baby did not run into further trouble.
Lauren B. was the night nurse coming on as I consented to the induction. After helping me over to my labor and delivery room, she instantly got into action. She placed an IV, began antibiotics, administered Cytotec, oriented me to the room and unit, and kept a close eye on my vitals. Lauren always gave off the vibe that she had the situation under control. Her calm, cool, collected confidence put my nerves at ease. Anytime I was about to ask something, she seemed to anticipate my question, and she would explain the next steps and game plan.
The Cytotec triggered quicker and stronger than anticipated. Contractions that led to my water breaking all over the floor, as well as significant bowel distress. She made me feel like everything was normal and helped me maintain my dignity. When the rate and intensity of the contractions became too much for me to bear, Lauren got the nurse anesthetist into my room promptly, and I was able to get an epidural much quicker than I had hoped.
When our baby began experiencing heart rate variability and decelerations, she did not act stressed or alarmed; rather, she expertly got me into new positions, administered fluid boluses as needed, and called for help when appropriate. Even when I was experiencing some very high blood pressures, she stayed calm and explained what medications were necessary, as well as kept in mind my preferences to avoid Magnesium if possible. When Lauren confirmed that it was time to push, I was amazed at how skilled she seemed to be at checking the status of my cervix and position of my fetus and guiding me through when and what type of pushes and positions I should try. She knew immediately when to have me stop pushing so she could call in the obstetrician from home.
To summarize, I am so thankful to have had such a competent nurse guide my husband and me through what became an unexpected labor and delivery experience. While it was not at all what we pictured or expected, the confidence and ease with which Lauren provided care reassured us. I thought about this a lot since coming home from the hospital with our tiny baby girl. Lauren’s future patients are lucky to be in such good hands.
Lauren B. was the night nurse coming on as I consented to the induction. After helping me over to my labor and delivery room, she instantly got into action. She placed an IV, began antibiotics, administered Cytotec, oriented me to the room and unit, and kept a close eye on my vitals. Lauren always gave off the vibe that she had the situation under control. Her calm, cool, collected confidence put my nerves at ease. Anytime I was about to ask something, she seemed to anticipate my question, and she would explain the next steps and game plan.
The Cytotec triggered quicker and stronger than anticipated. Contractions that led to my water breaking all over the floor, as well as significant bowel distress. She made me feel like everything was normal and helped me maintain my dignity. When the rate and intensity of the contractions became too much for me to bear, Lauren got the nurse anesthetist into my room promptly, and I was able to get an epidural much quicker than I had hoped.
When our baby began experiencing heart rate variability and decelerations, she did not act stressed or alarmed; rather, she expertly got me into new positions, administered fluid boluses as needed, and called for help when appropriate. Even when I was experiencing some very high blood pressures, she stayed calm and explained what medications were necessary, as well as kept in mind my preferences to avoid Magnesium if possible. When Lauren confirmed that it was time to push, I was amazed at how skilled she seemed to be at checking the status of my cervix and position of my fetus and guiding me through when and what type of pushes and positions I should try. She knew immediately when to have me stop pushing so she could call in the obstetrician from home.
To summarize, I am so thankful to have had such a competent nurse guide my husband and me through what became an unexpected labor and delivery experience. While it was not at all what we pictured or expected, the confidence and ease with which Lauren provided care reassured us. I thought about this a lot since coming home from the hospital with our tiny baby girl. Lauren’s future patients are lucky to be in such good hands.