Carlie was my labor and delivery nurse during the day when I was in the middle of my induction. From the get-go, her infectious personality and knowledge impressed my husband and me. Not only was Carlie incredibly attentive to my medical needs, but my emotional needs, as well. In times when my doctor was unable to check on the progress of my labor, Carlie was proactive in checking my progress and providing information and resources to help guide us in what the next steps we would like to take. Carlie immediately noticed upon meeting us that my IV (placed by my overnight nurse) was extremely uncomfortable and causing swelling, and had no problem re-placing the line in a new location, painlessly and allowing me more freedom of movement. In early labor, Carlie provided many methods to help ease my pain before we moved into a more true active labor stage, including using a birthing ball and a heating pad. 

During the placement of my epidural, Carlie continued to care for my needs, physically and emotionally. She made sure that my baby and I were OK during the placement process and continued to provide reassurance when I was scared. After receiving my epidural, my baby’s heart rate began to vary between extremely fast and extremely slow, while my provider was aware of this change, Carlie was the one who did not leave my side and made sure that my baby was OK. Carlie’s quick thinking and willingness to ask a charge nurse for help allowed for my labor to continue progressing safely and protect my baby. By utilizing a peanut ball and changing my position regularly, Carlie was able to find a way that put less stress on my baby and allowed for the continuing progress of labor.  Carlie’s shift ended just about an hour before I delivered (my nurse who helped with my delivery was amazing, as well), but I couldn’t help but feel a little sad that Carlie didn’t get to see us through to the end. Lo and behold, the next day, after being moved to the postpartum/mother-baby unit, Carlie came by to check in on us and see our baby girl. It meant the world to us that she cared enough to come check in, even though I am sure she had a million other things she could have been doing in that time. Carlie is a true example of a nurse who loves what they do and why they do it- and it is incredibly evident when you have the privilege of meeting her. Thank you to Carlie for helping us bring our baby girl Earthside, safe and sound.