Lora O'Quain
March 2015
Lora
O'Quain
,
RN
L&D
The Woman's Hospital of Texas
Houston
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Her patient wrote to Lora:

You delivered my baby girl recently on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. I am writing to thank you sincerely for making my birthing experience both comfortable and memorable. I went into this whole thing wanting a natural childbirth, and had never been hospitalized, and was scared to be there! It made me very nervous. I feared childbirth SO BADLY. I can't lie. But, at the end of the day, I had a safe birth and my daughter and I are healthy, and that is all I really wanted!

I was so miserable early that morning when I arrived at the hospital thinking I was 7 cm, the pain was so bad. I was only at 4! I decided to get the epidural. Do you remember? Thank you for asking to see my birth plan, nevertheless, and for even caring. From that point on, I really must say I felt pretty good. I'm so glad I took my 2 hour nap, and woke up at 9cm! I was really happy about this too. Then shortly thereafter a 10, and when it was time push, I really could not have asked for a better team.

You were a great coach and I am so grateful for you. Also, when her heart rate was dropping, I was very nervous that I would end up in a c/section, which I really didn't want, so I was thankful to be put on oxygen, so that my baby and I could both recover.

I know you do this nearly every day, but I was so impressed and definitely have a new and restored confidence in healthcare. I had to send a letter because I felt it was the right thing to do. It was an experience I will never forget. Thank you for keeping my daughter and me safe! My husband and I both agreed that you were the right amount of firm and matter of fact combined with compassion, that I really needed. You didn't get a break and I am so sorry about lunch! BUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, THANK YOU! Also, since it was still kind of Christmas season, I wrote a funny poem that I have included below. You might get a kick out of it. Have a great day!

The Poem:

Twas the night before (baby), and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

(Baby)'s stocking was still hung by ours with such care,

In hopes that this Christmas with her we would share.

But Christmas had passed, and we wanted her here!

We knew that "the day" was soon drawing near..

The dogs were both nestled, all snug in their beds

While visions of beggin' strips danced in their heads.

And Daddy in his jammies and me in mine too

Had laid down at 10, like we usually do.

When all of the sudden, (daddy) heard pitter patter;

He sat up in bed to see what was the matter.

I was sweating and shaking, and stricken with pain.

My back was on fire, contractions-INSANE!

I said, "This is labor-we really should go."

And to my surprise, my husband said, "NO!"

"We'll labor at home, that's what's in your plan."

"UMMM, WE'VE GOT TO GO!! I'VE FELT ALL I CAN STAND!"

We arrived at the hospital at half past six.

There was no denying - I needed a fix.

My doula consoled me and said "You really should wait!

Don't get it too early!" But it was too late.

I'd already decided, I was getting relief.

Or else I would die, I'm not lying, GOOD GRIEF!

Now Demerol! Now Stadol! I need a spinal block!

"NO, remember? Just get up and walk."

On Epidural, On Morphine "I need drugs to get through it!"

While (Nurse) calmly said again, "No, You can do it."

She rubbed my back as I sat on the ball.

I could've collapsed, didn't feel good AT ALL!

The doctor then checked me, "You're four."

Five minutes later, the anesthesiologist walked through the door.

He came to save the crazy lady, thank God he did.

Then a two hour nap - resting with my kid.

No, the epidural was not part of my plan.

But it helped me so much, I was dying OH MAN!

Just three hours later, I was finally at ten!

Couldn't believe it was time for pushing to begin.

For an hour and a half, (daddy) counted to ten.

He was the most amazing husband and coach, the greatest of men!



Then suddenly I realized, but how could it be?????

The most perfect angel you ever did see!

Her cry, the most heartwarming sound you could hear.

She'd finally decided, it was time to appear.

Her eyes, how they twinkled; her nose, so just fine.

Her cheeks warm and rosy and she was all MINE!

Ten fingers, ten toes, and a perfect round face.

So much hair, so much life, all God's Grace in ONE PLACE!

That cute little body, not much vernix at all.

7 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches tall.

My darling, my angel, the love of my life.

You were definitely worth all the pain and the strife.

To see her, to hold her, JOY! I can hardly explain

This feeling of love shall forever remain!

She spoke not a word, but went straight to the breast.

She was certainly hungry and ate like the best!

How is it possible that we were this blessed?

I looked at my husband with the babe on my chest.

He looked at me too, with a gleam in his eyes.

She's finally here safely, what a glorious surprise!

I was truly in heaven, with her in my sight.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"