I wanted to share what a wonderful experience we had with my labor and delivery which was hugely in part because of our L&D nurse, Kassi. She immediately set me at ease by assuring me I could stay in my own clothes, and ended up being exactly the advocate we needed. My water broke at home and the usual test done to verify amniotic fluid came up negative not once, but twice! I was worried about being sent home, but Kassi echoed each time that she knew what being ruptured looked like and that I wasn’t going anywhere. Knowing that she was comfortable in her expertise and was ready to advocate for me set my spouse and me at ease like nothing else could. Our whole experience with Kassi was lovely. She was able to find the perfect balance between being unobtrusive and present so I never felt like I was being overly watched, but also never felt like I was being left to fend for myself. Looking back, her encouragement was just what I needed to hear during that very special and vulnerable time. Perhaps some of the things she did for us were what any L&D nurse would have done, but for us, those things felt kind and extraordinary. I just wanted to express my thanks to her and to the hospital who hires and forms nurses like her – what must seem day-to-day for health professionals truly is once-in-a-lifetime for those of us who experience their care. Thank you for making it beautiful. 

Note: This is Kassi's 2nd DAISY Award!