Sandra Blaser
March 2023
Sandra
Blaser
,
MSN, RN, CNM, CN IV
E5 Labor Delivery
AHN West Penn Hospital
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

She just kept on bringing great excitement, sharing stories, and experiences that ultimately changed my view on delivering a baby and made me that much more comfortable.
Without a doubt, single-handedly, Sandy changed my delivery experience. Starting the induction process at the early hours of the night was truly an experience I did not expect. Having been stuck 4 times to get an IV started, 2 unsuccessful foley bulb insertions and nervousness about delivering my first child had me seriously contemplating any future pregnancy. That’s when we met Sandy.  Initially, her candor and excitement struck me, like “here we go again”. Her first comment was something to the effect of, “oh boy, we could be here a while” having only been 1cm with another successful but painful foley bulb attempt at 8 am. Right around noon the foley bulb came out and it was like a light came on above Sandy’s head, "here we go" as she administered Pitocin, and continuously monitored me throughout the day as I swiftly dilated more and more. Sandy realized just how tall I was and made the best comment that will stick with me forever, “she’s 5’10”, that baby is going to slide right out.” We laughed and kept the inside joke going all day long. She not only educated me about everything I was going through, but she took extra care and expedited all orders I needed, knowing full well what I was going through. I progressed naturally to about 6 cms, when it all felt like labor was slowing down. She just kept on bringing great excitement, sharing stories, and experiences that ultimately changed my view on delivering a baby and made me that much more comfortable. Her demeanor and professionalism with all the student nurses she was training combined with handling all of my requests truly show that her years of experience were never just a job, it was a passion.  

Sandy made me feel comfortable through the rough start I had and walked me step by step through everything, turning this uncertainty into one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I only wish she would have been able to see it all the way through, but even after her shift ended, she kept in contact with our new night nurse and I can truly say “I’m 5’10” and that baby DEFINITELY came right out, I only pushed for 20 minutes!” The absolute best day of my life!