Pamela immediately made me feel safe and at ease. With my first daughter, I had a traumatic labor and delivery at a different health system that began with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and my daughter had subsequent injuries and health problems as a result of her birth. My pregnancy with our new baby was unplanned and we found out when my daughter was only 8 months old. Nevertheless, we were incredibly excited, however when my pregnancy was deemed high risk and my water broke yet again. It was another diagnosis of PROM, and I was terrified.

In triage at ECU Health, after a difficult pelvic exam, I was tearful and apprehensive about my labor. Pamela floated into the triage room like a ray of bright sunshine. We moved to my room and even cracked jokes as a fellow nurse about the fact that I was in an overflow room and things were pretty crazy at the time. Overflow rooms are notorious for technical difficulties, and this proved to be true as the computer would not turn on and the external fetal monitor was glitchy. Pamela never left my side for more than a couple of minutes. We actually had fun during the 6 hours of laboring. I was giggling through contractions and enjoying the experience.

Pam was so positive about how my labor was progressing. She prioritized pain management and understood and respected how difficult pelvic exams were for me. She advocated for me every step of the way and at one point when the C-section was inevitable and no matter what position I assumed or medication I was administered, the baby was still distressed. Pam bent down and looked me straight in the eye and told me everything was going to be OK. We were acting fast, I had wonderful doctors, and she was going to be with me through the surgery and recovery. I felt so safe despite the obstacles.

The room was small, technical difficulties with equipment made things a bit more hectic, and my labor wasn't going how we planned. Through it all, I never felt like I was not being prioritized or cared for. This is a testament that the staff truly makes the care experience. Pamela took beautiful pictures during the surgery of precious first moments that I was missing. I treasure these photos so much. She helped guide my husband through the process, keeping him informed and making him feel comfortable in the OR. She was with me in PACU, sharing the joy of my first moments with my new baby and my husband. I know given the acuity of my labor, Pam just had to be behind on her charting and I'm almost positive she did not get a lunch break. There was no time. If she wasn't in the room with us, she was trying to get supplies or call supplementary staff.

I suppose I think of these things, that often go unnoticed because I am also a nurse. I wondered after the fact if she had to stay late after her shift to catch up. If she did, she never gave any indication that she was inconvenienced; quite the contrary she made us feel like our baby's birth was one of her greatest joys. Pamela completely gave her heart and soul to our experience. As a previous birth trauma survivor, I am trying to express how much she means to me. I will never forget her and most importantly, how she made me feel.