Ashley was one of the first nurses I met when I was in labor. She checked on me frequently and made sure my wife and I were as comfortable as possible. Every time she was in the room she explained what she was doing and why she was doing it which set our minds at ease. When my labor was not progressing, she explained in detail what was going to happen next. She went out of her way to find ways to help me find positions to progress my labor and to make me more comfortable. She also physically held me in positions that were meant to release muscle tightness to help progress labor.

Ashley taught my wife how to place pressure on me to ease my pain and to help my wife feel involved in my care. My baby’s heart rate started to drop and she explained why this might happen and what we could do about it and held my hand (physically and figuratively) every step of the way. When my body was not reacting well to the medications and I was in unbearable pain, and scared, she stayed by my bedside long after her shift was supposed to be over just to make sure my baby and I were safe and so that the oncoming nurse was not overwhelmed with taking over care. Ashley continually advocated for us to the doctor and made us feel supported when we were feeling at our must vulnerable. She made our birthing experience much more positive than it could have been, and we are so grateful!