December 2023
Kelly
Wellnitz
,
MSN, RNC-MNN, C-EFM
LDRP
Aurora Medical Center Summit
Summit
,
WI
United States
Whenever I felt doubt or fear, Kelly was there to reassure me that the baby and I were doing fine.
I have been lucky enough to have Kelly Wellnitz as a nurse during both of my births: my son's birth and my daughters. After my son's birth in 2021, I nominated Kelly for a DAISY Award after she helped me through a difficult labor that ended in a c-section. Her support during that intense labor meant the world to me. When I came into the labor and delivery unit for the birth of my daughter, I wanted to cry tears of happiness when I saw that Kelly was working and would be my nurse. I had a lot of anxiety going into this birth - I was hoping for a VBAC but knew that it may not be possible. Kelly reassured me that she was an advocate for TOLAC mamas, which immediately put me at ease.
Kelly helped my husband and I through my early stages of labor as I tried to get comfortable during contractions. After my water broke, Kelly helped me stay calm during my epidural and sit still for the placement. She helped me to get into positions to help me continue dilating, and she kept me positive throughout the many hours of labor. Whenever I felt doubt or fear, Kelly was there to reassure me that the baby and I were doing fine.
Though Kelly’s shift had ended when my daughter was born, she played a critical role that led me to my baby girl and successful VBAC. I was lucky enough that Kelly worked the next morning and she got to come in, congratulate me on the birth of my baby, and help my husband and I navigate the early hours of having a newborn. Her genuine happiness to see my new daughter and care for me made me feel so special. Anyone who is lucky enough to be cared for by Kelly knows that she is incredibly knowledgeable, has wonderful bedside manner, and has a calming, reassuring presence that helps to ease the anxieties of the laboring mother. As a mother who was feeling a lot of anxiety going into this birth, I relied on Kelly’s expertise and reassurance so much. It truly felt like fate that Kelly was working the weekend my daughter was born.
Both of my births were incredibly different and challenging, yet they were both so beautiful and special. I am so grateful to nurses like Kelly who treat laboring mothers with such love and care. Birth is such a vulnerable time, and having exceptional nurses like Kelly can truly change the way you feel about your birthing experience.
I will forever remember both of my births and the important role Kelly played in each of them.
Kelly helped my husband and I through my early stages of labor as I tried to get comfortable during contractions. After my water broke, Kelly helped me stay calm during my epidural and sit still for the placement. She helped me to get into positions to help me continue dilating, and she kept me positive throughout the many hours of labor. Whenever I felt doubt or fear, Kelly was there to reassure me that the baby and I were doing fine.
Though Kelly’s shift had ended when my daughter was born, she played a critical role that led me to my baby girl and successful VBAC. I was lucky enough that Kelly worked the next morning and she got to come in, congratulate me on the birth of my baby, and help my husband and I navigate the early hours of having a newborn. Her genuine happiness to see my new daughter and care for me made me feel so special. Anyone who is lucky enough to be cared for by Kelly knows that she is incredibly knowledgeable, has wonderful bedside manner, and has a calming, reassuring presence that helps to ease the anxieties of the laboring mother. As a mother who was feeling a lot of anxiety going into this birth, I relied on Kelly’s expertise and reassurance so much. It truly felt like fate that Kelly was working the weekend my daughter was born.
Both of my births were incredibly different and challenging, yet they were both so beautiful and special. I am so grateful to nurses like Kelly who treat laboring mothers with such love and care. Birth is such a vulnerable time, and having exceptional nurses like Kelly can truly change the way you feel about your birthing experience.
I will forever remember both of my births and the important role Kelly played in each of them.