Susanna was our nurse on night shift who helped deliver our first child. I had a very long labor, and things hadn't quite gone according to the birth plan we had hoped for. But all along the support we received from the nursing staff was amazing. Susanna came on for Kathleen at 7 pm (which was when I finally decided to get the epidural after about 16 hours of active labor). I was very nervous about getting the epidural, but Susanna stayed in the room and helped me stay calm and relaxed. She explained everything that she was doing and I immediately felt safe and at ease knowing I was under her care.
We also had a connection at the hospital because I worked with her sister Jean (also a wonderful nurse), so I knew then that I was in good hands with a member of the Linton family! After that I was finally able to rest. Susanna would come check on us and help my husband and me with anything we needed.
Finally, around 4 am, (over 24 hours since my water broke!) it was time to push. Susanna reassured me that from then on she would stay in the room with me. She helped me get my timing right to have the most effective pushes and was really encouraging. My baby was positioned posterior which is apparently why my labor was so difficult. She helped me get into different positions to try to help the baby turn. I even pushed on my hands and knees for a while! Finally, after almost 2 hours of pushing our beautiful baby boy was born!
I could not have done it without Susanna and all of her encouragement. She is a perfect example of our ICARE values and is an awesome nurse. We were so thankful to have Susanna as part of our care team during our stay at the hospital.