After being hospitalized for nearly a month due to preeclampsia, being separated from my 4-year-old and 2-year-old children each day became increasingly difficult.

The time had finally arrived for my scheduled 34-week induction. Having undergone similar inductions with my previous pregnancies, I knew what to expect. However, this time was different; my daughter would need to be transferred to the NICU, and I knew I would not be able to experience the usual newborn moments in her early days. With my background in the NICU, I was familiar with the potential challenges my baby might face, but that knowledge did little to ease the emotional strain.

My induction began around 4 am and quickly turned into a long, drawn-out process. When Danielle, my nurse, arrived at the beginning of her shift, she brought with her a sense of calm and support. She was kind, attentive, and dedicated to meeting all our needs. Danielle picked up a 16-hour shift, which gave me comfort knowing we were in this for the long haul together. By 7 pm, the discomfort was becoming overwhelming. Danielle never left my side. She remained my biggest cheerleader, consistently reassuring me and advocating for my comfort.

Eventually, I reached a point where I felt I could no longer continue without an epidural. At this stage, I was struggling with the intensity of the pain, and I communicated to the anesthesiologist that I couldn’t sit up any longer. Despite his request to wait a few more minutes, Danielle advocated on my behalf and ensured I could lie down, providing me with much-needed relief.

After being checked by the doctor, I was informed that I was only 7 cm dilated. However, the pain's intensity suggested otherwise. Before I knew it, my daughter was born, and Danielle herself delivered her. In that moment, Danielle remained calm and composed, handling the situation with a level of expertise that made it seem like she had done this countless times before. When the doctor and additional medical staff arrived to stabilize us both, Danielle mentioned it was the first time she had delivered a baby on her own, without the doctor present. Her professionalism and composure were evident, and I had no idea that this was her first time handling such a situation on her own.

I will forever be grateful for Danielle’s quick thinking, her dedication, and the exceptional care she provided in resuscitating my daughter and stimulating her until the NICU team arrived. Her actions not only saved my baby’s life but also gave me the peace of mind I so desperately needed during such a critical time. Throughout our stay, Danielle continued to check in on my daughter and me, always ensuring that we were well cared for.

I cannot express enough how thankful I am for the level of care I received during my labor and delivery, and if the need arises, I will trust her completely to care for me again in the future. I look forward to returning to work and hearing all about the special day once more.