I feel so lucky to have had Nicole as my labor and delivery nurse. Going through my first induction I didn’t really know what to expect. She not only educated me on the stages and interventions as my labor progressed, but she stayed with me during emotionally difficult moments and was such an advocate and ally that I felt safe and calm.

When my pain ramped up and the epidural took a bit of a long time to place, I started to get teary and overwhelmed but she just put two hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and kept me present on each step. She recommended certain things like lying with a peanut pillow to open up my pelvis before pushing which really seemed to work as I only ended up needing to push for 35 minutes!

Most notably, this demonstrates Nicole’s compassion and kindness (in addition to her clinical acumen): after delivering the placenta I started to hemorrhage which scared me as the medical team called an intense sounding huddle to address it. I did not panic because she came right up to me to explain the interventions in real time and made sure to reassure me emotionally. While supporting me, she also supported my husband who as a nurse had some understanding about the situation which made him incredibly anxious. She collaborated with the medical team, gently guided interventions to take, and made sure that I got the care I needed when I needed it, without forgetting the new family of three in front of her.

While leading this event with the attending obstetrician, she still prioritized my first moments holding my son. Her steadfast clinical strength, advocacy for me, and emotional support really made this experience a positive one for me. I’m so grateful for her care!