Rachel was extremely positive and encouraging during my over 24-hour labor. She even motivated me to have the energy to push and stick with my birth plan, even when the doctor was trying to suggest an unnecessary C-Section. I'm so thankful her positivity and motivation helped me decide to say no to a C-Section which I didn't want. She went above and beyond to give me the best care possible.
*****
The entire staff of nurses through my stay was pretty great, but Rachel really stood out to me. From the moment she walked into the room, taking over from the day nurse when my labor had already started, and I was actively pushing, she was so warm, friendly and encouraging that I immediately felt comfortable. While the end of my labor was brutal, before we moved to do a C-Section, what I remember the most about the beginning of it was how much fun I was having in between contractions/pushes.
That really helped as things became rougher and more painful. Rachel was a solid presence throughout and it was like having another best friend in the room with me - not just a nurse.
She made what was turning into a painful and scary experience into something bearable and I never panicked because she was there with me, relentlessly supportive and encouraging.
By the time I was going into the O/R for a C-Section that I'd so hoped wouldn't be necessary, my comfort and confidence were bolstered by her presence as she came with me.
The whole experience ended with one of the outcomes I had been most worried about/scared of, but when it happened, I didn't feel anything but grateful that Rachel was going to be there with me and it made a huge difference.
While I was treated/taken care of by many amazing nurses, Rachel still stood out to me and that's really saying something considering the caliber of the staff with whom I interacted.