Labor and delivery had always been such a scary thought, especially never had been through it. My husband and I arrived at the hospital promptly at 5 am for a scheduled induction. I was 39 weeks and hadn't made much progress. I was nervous, excited and scared. I didn't know what to expect. After settling into our room and doing what felt like several hours of paperwork, Teresa greeted us with a friendly smile. She calmly and thoroughly went over the details with me. Between the nerves and excitement, I heard none of it, but she made sure that at least my husband absorbed it. There was always such a calming sense when Teresa was in the room. She took the time to get to know me, asking me questions about my life and sharing stories about hers.
Once my water broke, the contractions intensified and so did my agony. With tears in my eyes and gritted teeth, I asked Teresa at what point do women request an epidural. Her reply "You'll know when you are ready." It wasn't even 30 minutes later and I was hitting my call button requesting an epidural...fast. Only a couple minutes later, Teresa and the anesthesiologist were at my bedside. She was gentle and kind and somehow managed to keep me calm as I was teetering on the edge of the bed as a very painful needle was inserted in my back. I was able to rest for a couple of hours before she came in to check me. It was time to push!
Teresa quickly transformed the bed and got everything ready for delivery. With each push Teresa would cheer me on and between pushes, she would keep me calm and relaxed with a conversation. The weaker I got with pushing, Teresa became more encouraging. She believed in me, even when I was so convinced I couldn't do it for one more second. After an hour of pushing, my healthy and beautiful baby girl was born. Teresa's care didn't stop there. She continued as my day nurse throughout my stay at the hospital. Every couple of hours when she would check on me, I was met with her smile and calm demeanor.
It really takes someone so special and strong to do what she does. I know for a fact my labor and delivery wouldn't have gone as well without her. Not only did she help me deliver a healthy baby, but she put up with me, something I know wasn't easy. Nurses like Teresa make the birth process one to be cherished and loved. She certainly made a difference to me, and I know she makes a difference with every single baby she helps deliver. I thank her from the very bottom of my heart.