I was taken by ambulance to Rochester for possible pre-eclampsia with severe features at 33 weeks pregnant. When I arrived it was a whirlwind of emotions and feelings, this was my first pregnancy, so I had no idea what to expect. I was told I was going to be induced that day and was going to have a NICU baby.

Soon, I met Leah; she was my nurse from 7am- 7pm that day. That entire day, I was in labor; she talked me through step by step on what was coming and what to expect during this process. She made me feel brave and strong, like no matter what was happening I could do this, not only for myself but for my sweet baby girl. She also made my husband and parents feel super informed about what was going on, answering all of their concerns. I had not progressed much by the end of her shift that day, but she advocated for me to keep my head up and to fuel myself with food and positive thoughts while she had to go for the night.

She arrived the next morning, and I still had not had my baby, but I was so happy she chose to be with me for another day. I progressed pretty quickly that day, but she was in the room at all times, making sure I was comfortable, helping me change positions while I had my epidural, answering all of my questions, making sure I had eaten, and making me feel heard as I was going through the scariest time in my life. She got to be a part of my daughter's “birthday party” and stayed right next to me as my husband had to go with my daughter to the NICU. She continued to stay with me through recovery until I got to my postpartum room, talking through the NICU journey we will have. She provided the best care I have ever received, making what was the scariest time in my life fly by with happy tears at the end of it.