I have been wanting to nominate Brandy for the DAISY Award for a while now and kept forgetting to do so, but as the possibility approaches of me possibly having a second child I continue to think back to how wonderful she was and hope my future experiences are as great as the first.
I was a first-time mom and very passionate about having a fully natural labor with no epidural and the least amount of medical intervention necessary. Though I was determined, I was also anxious about it as I knew people who tried and were not successful with this plan. Brandy made me feel comfortable from the moment I was admitted. She hooked me up to the monitor that allowed me to continue walking around, being in the warmth of the shower, and sitting on the yoga ball-all steps I read to help with the laboring process. And they helped me tremendously as sitting still or laying down was very painful.
When Brandy came in to check on me she would wait patiently if I was having a contraction. She had shared her story of laboring without an epidural and with one. This also helped me believe I could do it as I planned because I felt she understood. And when you are in pain, it is easy to question your decision. Not once did she try to push an epidural, pain medication, or any further interventions as she knew my plan.
Though I understand several things must fall into place for labor to go smoothly, I truly believe I would not have had as successful a birthing process if I did not have her as my nurse. Sometimes all patients need is reassurance from someone at their bedside to help them believe in themselves-and Brandy gave me that. So thank you so much Brandy, you are an amazing nurse and I hope I have you again someday!!