Cori DeJong & Maggie McDonald at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center
December 2024
Maggie McDonald & Cori DeJong
at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center
Sheldon
,
IA
United States
Maggie McDonald, RN
Cori De Jong, RN
Cori De Jong, RN
Maggie was a God-send! Our induction was scheduled and started at 8 am. By 3 am the next day, I was fully dilated and had been in active labor and pushing for over an hour. The doctor called an emergency c-section due to a few factors concerning both mom and baby. I remember the fear of the unknown and the panic I felt hearing these words. This was our very first baby, and our delivery took a turn that we had not prepared for. This is when Maggie came in, grabbed my hand, and was there every step of the way. I immediately felt like I was in great hands with Maggie, and her positive, comforting spirit made it much easier for me to relax, knowing I was in great hands. She explained everything so well, letting me know each step throughout the entire process of moving into the c-section, throughout the procedure, and staying with us post-op. When my husband was not able to be by my side next to me, Maggie was there. She maintained such a calm and encouraging voice throughout a very unfamiliar situation. Maggie stayed with us through post-op and got us settled in our recovery room. She continued to check on us whenever she was working and even when she was not in our department. She was so attentive to us throughout our stay. I often think of Maggie when I reflect on our birthing experience. I truly am so grateful for her and the amazing nurse she is! She was such a blessing throughout our stay, and we are forever grateful for her!
***
Cori came on shift in the afternoon through our induction. While our induction was slow moving, Cori did a fantastic job staying with us and making sure we were well taken care of. She continuously offered new positions, walks, whip baths, and different methods to labor in. Throughout the night, baby was difficult to monitor his heart rate as we progressed. By 10 pm, I was able to receive an epidural and get some rest. Cori made sure we were comfortable and able to sleep. By 2 am, we were ready to push! After almost an hour, the doctor called for a c-section due to the stress on mom and baby. While Cori's shift was over, she continued to stay with us, providing us comfort and support. She came to the OR with us and throughout the pre-op, documenting and noting all the necessary information. I believe Cori stayed with us until we returned to our recovery room and were settled, around 6-7am, hours beyond the end of her shift. Throughout recovery in our stay, Cori was our nurse again and provided great instruction on how to care for baby in the upcoming weeks such as bathing, diaper changes after circumcision, etc. Even after our one-week check up we saw her in the hall and she stopped to chat with us and ask how both mom and baby were doing. It was truly comforting to have such a caring and generous nurse during the labor and delivery of our first baby! I often reflect on how grateful we were to have such a dedicated and compassionate nurse who was willing to stay with us beyond her shift. We are so grateful for her!
***
Cori came on shift in the afternoon through our induction. While our induction was slow moving, Cori did a fantastic job staying with us and making sure we were well taken care of. She continuously offered new positions, walks, whip baths, and different methods to labor in. Throughout the night, baby was difficult to monitor his heart rate as we progressed. By 10 pm, I was able to receive an epidural and get some rest. Cori made sure we were comfortable and able to sleep. By 2 am, we were ready to push! After almost an hour, the doctor called for a c-section due to the stress on mom and baby. While Cori's shift was over, she continued to stay with us, providing us comfort and support. She came to the OR with us and throughout the pre-op, documenting and noting all the necessary information. I believe Cori stayed with us until we returned to our recovery room and were settled, around 6-7am, hours beyond the end of her shift. Throughout recovery in our stay, Cori was our nurse again and provided great instruction on how to care for baby in the upcoming weeks such as bathing, diaper changes after circumcision, etc. Even after our one-week check up we saw her in the hall and she stopped to chat with us and ask how both mom and baby were doing. It was truly comforting to have such a caring and generous nurse during the labor and delivery of our first baby! I often reflect on how grateful we were to have such a dedicated and compassionate nurse who was willing to stay with us beyond her shift. We are so grateful for her!