I was admitted to AV L&D late Sunday evening for a scheduled induction. I met the nurse apprentice (who was amazing), and Sam. I explained my desire for an unmedicated delivery and they matched my excitement and continued to discuss goals and plans with me to achieve this, even though I knew this meant additional work and effort on their part. Neither ever made me feel like any request/question was inconvenient or unnecessary.

As the morning rolled around I knew their shifts would be ending soon and I was dreading losing their support as things were quickly ramping up. With the pain of labor increasing, I began struggling to breathe and cope with the pain. I can only describe it as an out-of-body experience as I heard myself yelling through the contractions, experiencing a pain I had never imagined before. Suddenly I remember hearing Sam’s voice next to my ear as she coached and cheered me on through the most painful and vulnerable experience of my life. I recognized her shift had ended but somehow, she was still there when I needed her presence and expertise most.

I know a few people in my life who have found their passion and purpose in life. My interaction with Sam made me believe she was meant to be an L&D nurse. She was so attentive, patient, and caring with me. She stayed long and went above and beyond her job duties to care for me and my baby. Later that afternoon my mom brought up Sam and how amazing she was to me and just hearing her name made me start bawling. She changed this major life experience for me.