At 41 weeks plus 2 days pregnant I was scheduled to be induced. Induction was nowhere near my birth plan goals of a natural, unmedicated birth. Everything in my gut was telling me not to get induced, but rather give a baby a little extra time to make her debut. However, I understand that my OB has far more experience than myself when it comes to delivering babies.

that day, I called L&D and explained my dilemma and my resistance to induction. It was decided I would go in for a non-stress test to see how Baby is doing and make a decision with all the information. Nurse Lisa was my nurse and she truly listened to my concerns. 

I informed her why I was so hesitant to induce and that I wanted the least invasive /least extreme method of delivery. I had previously heard horror stories about Pitocin including that the contractions would lead to needing an epidural, which I did not want.

Lisa explained an option for outpatient induction using a different medication. I never heard of this before and because Baby and I were doing well, we were promising candidates for this option.

After Lisa patiently explained all the information, my husband and I decided to move forward with this outpatient option (misoprostol), and I felt relieved. I felt like my concerns were heard and I was working with my healthcare team to meet my goals. Thanks to Nurse Lisa, I finally felt like an active member in my daughter's upcoming birth.

I labored from home and returned to the hospital 24 hours later. All the medical professionals I spoke with in triage mentioned Pitocin as my next step. Lisa had already educated me on the possibility of another round of misoprolol so I was empowered to use my voice to ask questions and say no (at least for now) to Pitocin. I was admitted to antepartum and opted for another round of miso at 6 AM.

I was filled with joy when I found out Lisa was my assigned nurse for the day. Nurse Lisa continued to listen to me about my goals. She tracked down a wireless monitor for me to use so that I could be mobile while laboring. Although I needed medication to induce labor, Nurse Lisa did everything she could to help my delivery align with my birth plan goals. 

While walking the antepartum halls during the labor, my water broke. I waddled back to my room where labor progressed very quickly. Lisa was an amazing leader in coordinating an antepartum room delivery as there were no delivery rooms immediately available. I knew I was in good hands, literally. Lisa held my left leg as the bed I was in did not have stirrups. Baby P was in my arms about 15-20 minutes after my water broke. Additionally, Nurse Lisa played an integral role in securing a location for the midwife to sew my tears as the bed delivered in was not ideal for accessing tears for repair. 

The next day, Nurse Lisa checked in on me and P in postpartum to see how we were doing. It is very clear she cares about her patients. She listened to my concerns and goals. Nurse Lisa's support empowered me to use my voice and play an active role in my medical care.

Nurse Lisa, thank you for everything. In the years to come, when I think back to P's birth, I know your support and kindness will also be remembered; you are part of her birth story.