We arrived at Providence Hospital at 930am with B having contractions a few minutes apart since 7 am and in obvious pain. We were admitted at the reception desk and sent to an exam room shortly after. B was seen by a nurse who after checking her, was dilated at 1cm and 50% effaced. It seemed we would be sent home and continue daily life until she was dilated more or her water broke. We were advised to wait for 30 minutes so M (our baby) could be monitored. Around 10 am B had a look in her eye and made a face and told me her water broke. I told the nurse and doctor that B's water broke and we waited for the nurse/doctor to arrive. We were then admitted around 10:30 am.
And then came Donna. As soon as Donna arrived on the scene, she was very attentive and in tune with what B was going through, almost like a sixth sense that came naturally to her. The Doctor told us to walk around to expedite the dilation. We walked and then went back to the room and B's contractions were getting stronger and more frequent. After a bit, Donna noticed the state B was in and knew something was bound to happen. She asked when was the last time B's dilation was checked which hadn't been since we first arrived at the hospital. Donna made an executive decision and felt she couldn't wait a minute longer before checking. B had jumped from 1cm to a little over 5cm. Donna ordered B's epidural immediately because of the pace of the labor and that was a godsend. Luckily she did because had she waited, B would have had to endure the pain of natural childbirth and we did not want those problems. Donna was aware that there was only one anesthesiologist on-site at that time and made sure B received her epidural quickly rather than waiting. Due to the accelerated pace of labor B received 3 doses of pain medicine administered through her epidural to "catch up" to the pain so she couldn't feel the contractions or anything down below. Donna was a catalyst for B receiving pain medicine because B was still in pain despite the first 2 doses. Donna was very adamant about B being comfortable and minimizing her painful contractions. After observing the pain, she asked the anesthesiologist if there was more that could be done for it. Had it not been for Donna's observation then B more than likely would have been in a lot more pain during delivery due to the speed and progression of her labor. Donna stayed by her side the whole time and manually felt for contractions and advised B when to push and rest. We arrived at Providence at 930am and M was born at 218pm.
I know that had it not been for Donna having that sixth sense, B's labor would have been exponentially worse and had possible complications. Donna went above and beyond by not only sensing that B's labor would be happening quickly and handling all the necessary procedures in a calm and timely manner. She also did the little things like checking on B and making sure she was comfortable, telling her how beautiful she was and how great she was doing. She was even checking on me to make sure I was ok. Donna was the glue that held everything together and you can tell by her actions that she is genuine and cares about her patients. She made me feel every part of our daughter's delivery and we will always remember her and be grateful.
Note: This is Donna's 2nd DAISY Award!