I want first to preface that everyone on my care team during my stay at Sanford in Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, and NICU was phenomenal. Rachel, however, went above and beyond in providing exceptional care.

I was admitted earlier in the day to Labor and Delivery. By the time Rachel joined, I had already received my epidural and was beginning the process of pushing. Little did we know my pushing would continue for another three and a half hours at intervals of four minutes. Through this time, Rachel was a rockstar at tug-of-war and the various positions we tried and my own personal “hype girl” – which I greatly needed. She had a keen eye on making sure I was comfortable even though much of my body was numb. She was uplifting, encouraging, and so incredibly supportive through every push. Rachel gave me a true sense of confidence and comfort that I could keep going. Her engagement in conversation and her genuine interest in me and my husband made it feel like we had known Rachel for years.

I want to also mention a few small instances where perhaps Rachel did not realize how big of an impact her actions had. For instance, any time a doctor came into the room to talk with us, Rachel made it a point to summarize/translate, in plain language, what the doctor had said. Between the NICU nurses focused on the baby and the NICU doctors coming in later during my after-birth fog, I struggled to comprehend what was going on and what the information meant for the baby. After the doctors would leave, Rachel would pause what she was doing and thoroughly explain everything said to me. She did not assume I understood and was vital in breaking down the medical jargon.

On a different occasion following birth she also assisted in ordering me and my husband dinner, ensuring we were well fed. Again, while only small actions, they had a huge impact on our experience.

The last point I will mention is that Rachel took the time to visit the NICU shortly after our baby and my husband were brought down there. In my husband’s words, her arrival at the NICU brought a sense of calmness to his heart. Everything between birth and the NICU happened so fast that he did not realize he had left me back in my delivery room. It was the first time he was faced with the decision of staying with me or joining our baby. Knowing I was with Rachel made going with our baby an easier decision. Seeing her later in the NICU checking in was the “cherry on top.” She brought a sense of relief and security that I was doing well, I was well cared for, and that she cared for him just as much as she did me and our baby girl.

Rachel was a large part of our biggest life event yet, and when we think back to the day, Rachel and her care will always be the first thing we think about. She was proactive in tending to our needs, diligent in breaking down medical information, and truly went the extra mile to make us feel like we mattered to her. The idea that our paths may never cross again is rather heartbreaking to think about, as she really did make us feel like family.