Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was very nervous about giving birth. Before becoming pregnant, just the thought of having blood drawn made me weak! I didn't know how I would handle what was to come. Having Jessica as my labor and delivery nurse was a blessing from the start because she instantly recognized my fears and sensitivities, and addressed them compassionately. Her ability to read me so well from the start made me feel calm. It made early labor so easy.
The time to push came relatively quickly, but after too long, things became difficult! I pushed and pushed and no progress was made. She patiently introduced different techniques to help me along. We found "tug of war" to be most helpful and productive. She held one end of a towel, I held the other, and we pulled each other with all our might back and forth. She partnered with me in this exhausting exercise off and on for over 3 hours! I was blown away by her willingness to selflessly expend so much energy on my behalf. It was a huge help, and we made a lot of headway!
The medical resident in charge of my care came in to check on me from time to time. Despite our progress and efforts, she repeatedly delivered the same blunt message: "You still have a lot of work to do." These words left me feeling exhausted, discouraged, defeated... thankfully, after each of the resident's visits, she was there. Seeing the defeat in my eyes, she'd simply say "You can do this." Her simple words were not what encouraged me, but the look in HER eyes told me that she really believed I could do it. Her words were sincere and full of energy, reinvigorating me each time. If not for this encouragement, I truly do not know what would have happened.
Things took a terrifying turn after my 3+ hours of pushing. The baby's heart rate was not being detected, and he had to get out fast! Thankfully, doctors got him out with the help of suction, and announced that we had a healthy and safe baby! My sweet, delighted husband was able to be by my son's side, but I had to be brought into surgery ASAP. The delivery room was a chaotic and very scary, bloody (my biggest fear) scene as they prepared me for surgery. I was confused and disoriented going into the OR, and I remember a sea of concerned faces standing over me. I began to actually hyperventilate. This nurse once again came to my rescue, standing over me, maintaining eye contact with me, calming me down by assuring me she would not leave me. Once again, her simple words were full of energy and her calming presence allowed me to fall asleep knowing that I would be ok. I knew that I would be ok because I was in her care.
I write this story, sitting next to my peaceful, sleeping son, and tears are filling my eyes. I am so thankful that he is healthy and that I am healthy. Yes, the doctors delivered my son and the doctors performed my life-saving surgery, but the true hero of this story is my nurse. Without her, I guarantee you that I would not be sitting here with my healthy baby boy. She deserves the highest form of recognition her industry has to offer for the direct, knowledgeable, and incredibly compassionate level of care that she provided me. I will never forget her and I have a feeling that none of her patients will either. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you!