Childbirth is a wild and memorable event in which one hopes to be cared for with tenderness, sensitivity, and attentiveness as it unfolds. My first birth experience checked this box thanks to my wonderful night shift nurse, Erin Strickler. She was by my side throughout her shift, from the moment she introduced herself until after my baby was born. I changed my mind (communicated through yelling on many occasions) on various interventions approximately 782 times that night - from “not interested in medication at all” to “Epidural NOW!” to “I need to be on my hands and knees” to “nope, I’m leaving, I’m not doing this!” She took my lead on decisions whenever possible and made adjustments as I requested them without ever once appearing inconvenienced, even though I know (my husband reminds me) that I wasn’t making anyone’s job easy that night. At one point I also lost control of my bowels, cried about it in embarrassment, and Erin looked me in the eye before cleaning me up to reassure and console me. She coached me well as I pushed and found ways to engage my husband in the whole process as well. She had an eagle eye on the technical parts of the process, ensuring baby and I were healthy, and managed to pay just as much attention to my emotional needs. Anytime things became extra hard, painful, or anxiety-producing, I looked into Erin’s eyes and felt like I could do this and that everything would be okay. I now have a happy, healthy daughter and, thanks to Erin, a wonderful birth experience in which I felt empowered.