When Chrissy Cummings first entered my room, I immediately felt through her presence that she would be a great nurse. She greeted me after a shift change and also greeted the baby in my womb. Her calm demeanor helped me feel relaxed as I had already started an induction to deliver the baby. She explained everything that she was doing clearly and concisely. Speaking to her made me feel comfortable because I could trust that she had immense knowledge and experience in labor and delivery. She always looked cheerful and so happy to be at her job. She encouraged me immensely and kept my anxiety at bay. With her suggestion and advice, I was able to get the epidural right on time before the pain got worse. She made everything happen quickly and paid close attention to my needs. When it was time for her shift to end, my baby was still not delivered, and I was not fully dilated. I was so disappointed that I didn’t make much progress, but Chrissy kept encouraging me that it would happen. I think the positive thinking helped me a lot to progress further. I told her that I wished she could stay a bit longer and see my baby be delivered. I was so surprised when she said she would reschedule some things to stay for a longer shift to help me through.

After a while, my baby was starting to go into distress due to uterine contractions being too strong. Chrissy made some fantastic suggestions to decrease the distress in the baby, which the doctors also agreed with. We turned down the pitocin to decrease uterine contraction strength and got a Foley placed to reduce the pressure of the bladder. These methods worked! Within a few minutes, I was fully dilated. I didn’t think I was fully dilated, but Chrissy told me that she could tell that the baby was descending. I had no instincts to know I could be fully dilated, but Chrissy was certain! Then, the doctor examined me and found me fully dilated, just as Chrissy suggested! It was incredible! Chrissy helped me push on her own, and soon enough, the baby was crowning. Then, the doctors came in, and within a few extra minutes, the baby was successfully delivered. For someone with such massive anxiety about everything, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better nurse. Even during the aftercare, she ensured that I could get a room immediately after delivery. She made sure that I was comfortable. I am so grateful for the whole team, including the doctors who made this possible, but Chrissy played an essential role in my well-being.