Sara was my L&D nurse two nights in a row for my induction with my rainbow baby. I was being induced at 37 weeks for preeclampsia, and the minute I got to Sara, I knew I was in good hands. She consistently respected my autonomy and let me help make decisions in my care. She listened to the details of my worries and concerns about my induction and was always sure to calm my nerves.

The first night I was there, Sara did a great job keeping an eye on me. She checked in often to make sure there wasn’t something more she could do for me or my support system in the room. She also listened to all of my concerns and worries. I knew I’d want her back if I were still in labor a second night. When the second night rolled around, I requested to have Sara back. My body had not progressed past 4cm dilated (thanks to the help of a balloon catheter), and I explained that I still did not wish to have a C-section. I wanted to deliver my baby as naturally as possible in a safe way. Sara understood my decision and assured me there was plenty of time for my body to make changes and to have my son vaginally.

Fast forward through hours of detailed care (constant position changes, dose adjustments, and popsicle requests later), my son started to decelerate on the monitor. Sara came to my room with extra hands to explain what was going on and that we were going to turn my pitocin off and change positions to help my baby. Several position changes later, she discussed with me the possibility of a C-section, but she was doing everything she could to make sure I had my wish fulfilled for a vaginal birth. We eventually got into a position my son could tolerate. She then set up an infusion to give fluid back to my son (as my water had already broken) to help additionally. This whole encounter is truly why I think I was able to have a vaginal delivery.

When the delivery time came, my epidural had started to wear off. Sara promptly got a provider over to help take care of my epidural before I delivered. She also briefed me on the fact that my body had been in labor a long time and that my son and I were going to be tired when he came out. She explained who was going to be taking care of my son and that the NICU was on standby in case they were needed. Sara pushed me through my delivery, encouraging me the whole way through. When my son came out, he was not breathing or moving (a very scary reality for any parent, but especially as a parent to a baby who was conceived after a lost baby). Sara could see the panic set in on my face.

She kept me focused on her and re-explained what she had previously given me. Sara went above and beyond during my stay at Mercy. I would recommend her to literally any patient any day of the week. I believe without her by my side, I would have needed a C-section, or my baby could have passed from all of the stress my body put on him. She did fantastically, keeping me calm. I am now at home rocking my 2-day-old healthy son, and I can’t thank Sara enough. God was by my family’s side when they gave me Sara.