I came in for the birth of my second baby. I had been planning for an unmedicated birth and asked to have an ‘All-Star’ nurse who could help me reach my goal. Winnie was just that: An ‘All-Star.’ She was energetic and so friendly from the get-go. She was unbelievably supportive, and I felt very safe under her care. Throughout my labor and delivery process, she did a great job redirecting me with my breathing and helping me find different positions to try. She also was so great in supporting my husband throughout the process. Often, the husbands are left out but she made sure to give him lots of positive reinforcements, too.

As I reached the transition phase of labor, I started to doubt that I could continue without an epidural. She checked me and reminded me that I could do this. She asked if I wanted to try the shower, so I moved to the shower, which worked out great. She could judge how close I was by the sounds I was making and knew just when to start getting the room set up. Seeing the room set up for delivery gave me the last bit of motivation that I needed.

She guided me on when to get out of the shower and make my way back to the bed. She stood with me and my husband through another contraction and checked me again, and I was 9.5 cm. She stayed with me while I continued to labor, standing by my bed until the doctor walked in. Once he got there, she helped me into bed and into a side-lying position because I was not comfortable on my back. After just a few pushes, my baby was here! I really don't think I would have reached my goal without her guidance and support.