I had tried my best to educate myself about the birth process ahead of time, especially in light of my own nursing background. However, as the first-time mom in labor, I really had no idea what to expect.
Bethany, our Labor and Delivery nurse was a tremendous blessing and made what could have been a terrifying experience into a beautiful journey to meet our daughter. Bethany came on shift just as I was receiving my epidural. I was incredibly grateful for the pain relief, but as the epidural kicked in, I started feeling short of breath as though the epidural was affecting my diaphragm.
Bethany quickly adjusted my position in the bed and checked on me frequently to ensure my shortness of breath resolved, which it did. Throughout m labor, Bethany was very supportive of my husband and doula as well as my personal desires and wishes as outlined on my birth plan.
When pushing time came (which happened much sooner than we anticipated), Bethany moved quickly but calmly to prepare the room for delivery. She skillfully educated and coached me through the first few pushes and called the OB doctor in at the perfect time to deliver our daughter, all in about 15 minutes.
Immediately after delivery, I began to bleed heavily and Bethany rapidly administered medications and carried out orders in collaboration with my doctor to slow the bleeding. I joyfully held my precious baby girl while they diligently worked to stabilize me. Even when I had a syncopal episode in the process of transferring to my postpartum room, Bethany kept me safe, called for additional help, and stayed with me until I was stable.
All and all, I was very impressed with Bethany's knowledge, skill, and compassion and feel incredibly blessed to have had her as my L&D nurse.