I arrived at this hospital for a scheduled induction. I met my day nurse, Ashley, on Friday. After several failed attempts to start labor, Ashley was extremely hopeful and helpful, providing a peanut ball, encouraging me to get moving, and to keep trying, as she really wanted me to have a vaginal delivery.

During these two long days, she repeatedly checked on me and made sure I was as comfortable as I could be. When complications arose on Saturday, she worked quickly to make sure my baby’s and my heart rate got back to normal. Before being wheeled into the OR for surgery, she explained everything and again made light of the situation. When my baby was born, she cleaned him off and introduced him to me as I was shaking uncontrollably on the operating table.

While recovering in our room, she constantly checked on me. She helped me get my baby to latch for the first time and encouraged me to keep trying, even when I would get extremely discouraged, as I was not doing well. She would come into the room and help me get him to latch and kept showing me new ways to breastfeed. I grew close to Ashley during these days after an extremely traumatic experience. Ashley is the definition of what a nurse should be. She demonstrates an incredible work ethic and compassion towards her patients.