We arrived at Labor and Delivery at 35 weeks with a very small baby (<1% percentile) and gestational hypertension. By this time, we knew the hospital well because we had done three stays in the antepartum unit since learning about our baby’s fetal growth restriction. We’d been told that more than likely we would need to have a c-section because of her size and my risk factors, but the team was going to do their very best to help us accomplish a safe vaginal birth for me and the baby. Even before we walked into Labor and Delivery, we knew that our situation would prove challenging for everyone who supported us through the process. 

We met Andrea Hasting, our nurse for the day, after already being in L&D for about 30 hours while they worked through the early stages of my induction. Andrea immediately impressed us with the way that she went above and beyond with our care from the moment she met us. Her positive attitude and constant support built trust while making us feel at ease in what we knew would be a challenging experience. Her expert clinical skills were apparent from the way that she coached us through the labor using various position changes to achieve a safe birth in a very uncertain and high-risk environment while also staying in tune with how we were progressing and communicating that clearly to the rest of the team. 

Where she shined most was after the birth. Following the birth and the NICU team whisking our baby off to Children’s, the team realized that I was having heavy bleeding from a placenta that would not detach. She stayed with me the whole time as we moved into the OR. Her composure during this rapid change in the situation helped me stay calm in the middle of a highly stressful and quickly evolving medical situation. 

After we came out of the OR, she continued to stay with us and talk us through the decisions we had to make to manage the 3 liters of blood loss that I experienced. She shared not only the medical details of the transfusion treatment but also her experience with a similar situation and her reflections on what she wished she’d done to improve her ability to bounce back and take care of her baby. Her profound compassion helped us feel comfortable expressing our concerns and asking questions. 

We can’t imagine that anyone could have been a better support on what was one of the happiest and most challenging days of our lives. We are deeply grateful for her care and believe she deserves recognition for both her clinical skills and her incredible compassion.