After being rushed into an emergency c-section with my first child and almost losing her, you can only imagine how anxious I was when I started going to appointments for my second child. During my second pregnancy, I went weekly for NSTs, and McKenna Ganassin was there each week. Each week, she made a point, even if she wasn’t my nurse, to come in to say hello and ask how I was feeling. McKenna was there when I had my daughter and knew my story. Knowing I was having a scheduled c-section this time, she made a point to help me mentally and physically prepare for it each week, step by step, telling me what would happen, who would be there, and how different it was from an emergency delivery. She met me where I was at with my nerves and anxiety, made me feel heard, and never once made me question if my feelings were valid. She was there the day I went in for my scheduled c-section and met me with a smile on her face and open arms and said, “Let’s do this, mama!”. During the whole prep from check-in to the OR, McKenna explained everything to me in great detail, including what was happening now and what was next. It was because of her I was prepared for all to come. It was because of her I had a completely different childbirth experience this time, and for that, I am forever grateful!

This is McKenna’s second DAISY Award!