When I went into L&D I was very nervous because I was being induced due to some medical issues including low amniotic fluid and high blood pressure. I was worried that my daughter was a vaginal birth and to avoid a c-section if possible. On the morning of Thursday September 8th I met the woman who was going to be my nurse for the day. Little did I know that she would be like an angel that day and go above and beyond to make sure me and my family had a great experience.

My relationship with Sheryl began when she came in and just wanted to know about who I was as a person. She wanted to know what my goals were for my L&D, my fears and any questions I had. The thing about Sheryl is that she is very intelligent and knowledgeable. She started to address topics before I ever had a chance to even ask. Like for instance, she wanted to prepare me for a c-section because she had an emergency c-section that caught her off guard and she did not want that to be my experience. She also had this calming effect over me. She was just so sweet and caring and seemed more like a long-time friend than someone I had just met hours before. There is no doubt that we were able to make a very special connection that day and one that I feel I will have forever with her. She wanted to make sure that if possible, I was able to get everything I wanted out of my birthing experience. She went above and beyond to try for a vaginal birth with me when things got complicated and the talk of the c-section came up. She also made sure that the doctor on call knew my wishes were and that he was on board with our plan.

It is because of her that I got through my labor in one piece and that I did in the end get my vaginal birth. I felt like not only did I have my husband and mother there coaching me but that Sheryl was like my doula or very close friend. She rubbed my back and helped me to get comfortable plenty of times. She was always there to assist and offer me something before I even made had a chance to ask. I have honestly never had better care or service from another individual in my life entire life. I was also lucky enough to have her as my nurse the day after I delivered my daughter.

That night when it was time for her shift to end I cried like a baby because I didn’t want to lose my friend. I have thought of her every day since I met her on September 8th. I do not feel like very many people look back on their child’s birth date and find it special because of what a nurse or doctor did that day but I do with Sheryl. I will always remember this amazing woman and what she has done for myself, my daughter, and my family. Anyone who has her as a nurse is very lucky. She is extremely smart and caring and always has her patient’s best interests at heart.

I hope and pray that she is recognized for how wonderful she is. She truly impacted my birthing experience in such an important way that I will NEVER forget her or what she did for me those two days I was lucky enough to have her as a nurse and friend.