In October, I had my second baby at the DCMC birthing center. This pregnancy certainly came with its own trials and tribulations. After the birth of my first baby in 2022, I also felt compelled to write a letter regarding the incredible care I received from many of the staff, especially Nurse Nicole. This last pregnancy came with a sweet little boy who insisted on being breach most of my pregnancy. Those who know me know a C-section, while a valid option for many, is something I never have been comfortable exploring the possibility of. It might sound silly, but it was important to me to have my baby vaginally. In the weeks leading up to the ECV procedure, my discomfort rose at the prospect of a potential C-section if the ECV procedure was unsuccessful. I started to lose hope and my anxiety rose.

At one of my non-stress test appointments, I was blessed to see Nurse Nicole's friendly face again. Nurse Nicole immediately put my mind at ease as she spent the time walking me through exactly what I could expect with the ECV and potential C-section, answering all of my questions, putting my mind at ease. In an earlier NST appointment, she also helped introduce me to Spinning Babies to help me turn my baby on my own at home, something I was very interested in and inquired about. Nurse Nicole helped reduce my stress level from a 9 out of 10 to at most a 5, just by taking the time to help me mentally prepare myself.

Words truly cannot convey the level of care Nurse Nicole provided me and how thankful I am for her so often. Tears of gratitude come to my eyes as I type this because I barely knew her, and yet somehow, she became my rock with both my pregnancies and one birth. I wish all birthing moms got to experience a birthing experience with Nicole or someone like her.

I also had her the day after my second baby was born and experienced the same level of compassionate, attentive care. Her warm, calm demeanor and presence are like no others. I was then beyond blessed when I called the birthing center one evening looking for the amazing lactation consultant, and instead, my desperate tears were comforted by Nurse Nicole yet again. Unfortunately, my baby boy wasn't latching, and his screams had me resort to supplementing with formula, a choice that initially weighed greatly on my mind with guilt and sadness. I was calling to find out how to safely and most effectively let my milk supply dry up without too much discomfort. Nurse Nicole instantly reassured me that I am a good mom, making the best choices I can for my family, words I desperately needed to hear from a professional.

I cannot thank her enough for the moral and physical support she has provided me now with both my children. I hope I can somehow repay her someday. She is a true gift to your organization, I hope she is appreciated as such. I will forever be thankful for Nurse Nicole's kindness and patience with me amidst the most sensitive times of my life. I felt immensely supported and cared for. I would and will continue to recommend others to birth at DCMC due to the incredible care I experienced from Nurse Nicole.