I don’t feel that words can truly encompass or describe the care and attention I received during the labor and delivery of my second daughter’s birth. However, I will try, for the sake of my wonderful nurse, knowing just how valued she is.

My water started to slowly leak at home with inconsistent contractions, so we made our hour-long trek to the hospital. We were calmly admitted and soon introduced to a lovely nurse named Heather. She had a radiant smile and made a point to get to know us among all of the other necessary things. We talked, laughed, and established that my goal was to have an unmedicated birth.

During my entire labor, Heather was nothing but supportive, encouraging, and kind. She brought out several different coping tools and quickly retrieved the ones I asked about. She was flexible in helping me try new things and patient with me if I quickly changed my mind. She made me feel empowered to do what felt right for me and confident that my body was capable.

Her positive presence and support gave me the calm I had hoped and prayed for. The calm that I really needed. Her knowledge about labor greatly helped as I progressed. Without her introducing hip squeezes, I would not have survived active labor. My labor went rather quickly, which took me by surprise. When I started to lose all control of my breathing and felt fearful of the pain, Heather’s calm voice of encouragement brought me back to the present.

During the most difficult parts of labor, right before my baby was born, she spoke life to me and reminded me to trust my body. Thank you, Heather, for the love you put into the powerful work that you do. Because of your support, I was able to achieve the unmedicated birth I prayed for. I will never forget the care that you provided on the most special of days.