During my labor, Rosemond was so motherly and so genuinely concerned about my comfort and well-being. I felt that I was in good hands. She is a kind, nurturing, and warm person. Throughout her shift, not only was she meticulous and very on top of her work, but there were a few instances where her care was above and beyond the normal call of duty of a nurse. Most of all, she was just very calm, steady, and a soothing presence.

When I entered active labor, she was very concerned with the amount of pain I was experiencing; however, she reassured me that, despite how anyone else feels, it was most important how I felt, and it was absolutely my choice when to accept pain management. I felt very in control of my care and pain management as a result, which isn't always true when it comes to women's healthcare, especially when it comes to pain management. The moment that had the most impact on me, though, was when the epidural was being administered. My husband/support person was not allowed to be in the room with me, as is standard procedure during epidural administration. In those moments that I was in so much pain, so scared and vulnerable, where I would have loved to have my support person with me and could not, I was thankful to have Rosemond with me. I felt so safe and comforted by her. I still cry at times when I think back on this moment or when I tell close friends about my birthing experience because of how Rosemond supported and soothed me. She held my shoulders, put her forehead to mine, and helped me breathe through the pain and my fears; she helped keep me calm. She was so calm, reassuring, and encouraging throughout the process that the epidural could be administered successfully, and I also believe that because she kept me calm, I had very few side effects from the epidural.

Lastly, if it weren't for her prompt actions in calling a code when my baby's heart rate dropped during labor soon after pitocin administration, I don't know if I'd have my healthy, beautiful baby boy with me right now. I remember my husband crying in relief when the health care team was able to take prompt action and bring our son's heart rate back up. There are not enough words to describe how thankful I was to have Rosemond as one of the nurses taking care of me and my baby during labor. She's an exemplary nurse, and I really felt a strong connection with her. I cannot thank her enough for what she did for me and my family. She is a big reason I had an amazing birthing experience. I think she exemplifies the type of care and support that we sorely need and require (that we don't have enough of in general in healthcare) during labor to alleviate our fears and pain during probably one of the most difficult moments in the human experience.