One year ago, I gave birth to my daughter in the Special Delivery Unit. Because I had a high-risk pregnancy and a fetal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect, the months leading up to delivery felt long and full of difficult news. I would like to nominate my labor and delivery nurse, Tanya, for helping to provide the most peaceful, healing birth experience, that will always be one the best days of my life.

Tanya worked all weekend (I was induced Friday night, and delivered Sunday morning), and took care of me every day. She was present, supportive, and calming. She was a cheerleader and a source of strength for me. When my baby's heart rate was dropping shortly before delivery, I trusted Tanya and the team's competence and skill completely. They said just enough to keep me informed but also didn't add to my stress. The months leading up to birth, and the year that followed, have certainly held challenges, but that birthday will forever be a perfect, glowing memory for me because of Tanya, the midwife, and the physicians who were present.