A patient and their significant other showed up unexpectedly to the Labor & Delivery unit in preparation for their upcoming scheduled cesarean section. The couple was anxious as the significant other had a larger than normal BMI and wanted to be included in the birth of their child. Upon arrival, the couple was greeted by the charge nurse Tammy, who listened to their concerns and fears and assured the couple that we would do everything possible to provide them the birth experience they were hoping for. When the couple left, the team of Tammy, Kandi, along with our techs Gena and Kailee jumped into action. The team reached out to other units and departments to see what kind of equipment and supplies were available for the significant other. They looked at all the details some of which included: the chair in the OR, cover gown for the OR, toilet, and having a sitting chair and sleeping space in the patient room. When they ran into barriers or didn’t know how to proceed, they involved their manager, Julie, for assistance. When the couple arrived for their planned cesarean section, the unit was prepared for their individual needs to offer both parents an amazing birth experience. The caregivers who cared for the family were able to do so because they had the tools and equipment needed. In addition, the caregivers of Trisha, Theresa, Shelbie, Jamie, and Ashlee continued to remove barriers as needs arose to promote the utmost excellent care from beginning to end.

Throughout the patient's stay and during leadership rounding, the couple could not say enough about the care they received from each and every caregiver. Their anxiety was put to ease as the new father was able to be part of the whole birth experience, which made the best possible stay while being able to have a healing & bonding environment for them all.