This was my first pregnancy and my water broke at 2 am when I was 34 weeks along in the middle of a winter storm. Filled with fear, anxiety, and surprise, my husband and I made our way to MMC. Immediately the labor and delivery staff collectively started easing the uncomfortable emotions and making us feel more settled and prepared. Our nurse Libby made our day one of the most memorable of our lives. Her kind and gentle manner made me feel at ease. She always spoke to us in a soothing and informative way. I always felt like my options were being clearly explained to me and I was prepped on what was going to happen so nothing ever felt unexpected. Libby continuously asked us what we wanted or needed, bringing in ice water, and warm blankets, and encouraging us to eat and stay strong. I really appreciated Libby helping my husband feel like an important part of the process because he was. She even tucked him in with warm blankets. 

Libby was with us from the start of her shift until the end, 7 am-7 pm. As my contractions began to worsen, Libby helped explain my options, brought me the birthing ball, and had me speak to the anesthesiologist in advance so I could quickly get an epidural if I felt I needed it. Around 1 pm, I decided it was time for the epidural. Libby, without judgment, put in the order, kept offering encouragement and praise, and always gave me the time I needed during the contraction before continuing the conversation. Libby also respected my fears and concerns about feeling vulnerable and exposed in front of my husband. She kept things private between us when necessary and never made me feel embarrassed about what was happening. 

At 4:30 pm, Libby said it was time to push. She had my husband hold one leg and her the other. She was right by my side the entire time, whispering encouraging phrases in my ear and making me feel strong. Libby made me more present in the moment and helped me be mindful throughout. I remember the birth of my son with clarity. Libby made that happen for me. She made me feel like I had just won first place, which coincided greatly with my athletic and competitive personality. 

Once my son was born, she stood by my side while I was worked on. Knowing she was there while my husband was with our son was calming. When my husband went up to the NICU, Libby brought me toast with peanut butter and jelly and ginger ale with cranberry juice to get my blood sugar up. When she said goodbye at 7 pm, I felt an enormous amount of sadness that she was leaving. She had just spent 12 of the most exciting, scary, and emotional hours of our lives with us. Every time we think of our son’s birth, Libby will be a part of that. Without her calm, kind, and gentle bedside manner, our day could have gone so differently. We proudly gave birth to a 5lb 15oz boy at 5:22 pm who was able to go home with us happy and healthy at 35 weeks, exactly one week later. Libby made our birth story at MMC a positive and happy one. She was amazing and fully deserves this award.