I came into the hospital experiencing regular and frequent contractions with my doula believing I was at a minimum 4 cm dilated. To our dismay, when we were in triage, I wasn't even 1cm dilated. The on-call ob/gyn was convinced I was in prodromal labor and told me over the phone I needed to go home. Each contraction was painful and intense. I couldn't imagine going back home and just sleeping through it. Marlene, with her 30+ years of midwifery experience, trusted her instincts and was working to admit me regardless. Thankfully, my water just so happened to break. I dilated to 3cm, and Marlene immediately admitted me into a room and ordered the epidural. Her care continued as she helped me get into optimal positions to further dilate and move the baby down my pelvis. In a span of 1.5hrs, I was able to dilate from 4cm to 9cm with no Pitocin.

Thanks to Marlene's good judgment, attentive care, advocacy for my well-being, encouragement, and positive attitude, I felt safe, supported, and cared for during my first (what could have been traumatic) birth experience. I would, in a heartbeat, return to Medical City Frisco because of the amazing team of nurses, especially Marlene.