I had a wonderful experience when I was a patient and why I feel Sarah should be nominated for a DAISY award for her excellent care. She took care of me when my daughter was born. I cannot say enough about how wonderful they made our whole birthing experience. To set the background a bit, this was my first pregnancy and nothing about my labor had gone as I had planned in my mind for the last nine months. I had prolonged membrane rupture, had gotten antibiotics, had to be induced and received an epidural. A far cry from the natural birth I had set up in my mind over the course of my pregnancy.
Despite this, Sarah made my experience so beautiful and positive, I couldn't be more grateful. Sarah took care of me and I cannot say enough about how wonderful she made our whole birthing experience. At the time Sarah came onto her shift I had been in labor about 30 hours or so. I was exhausted, hungry, and ready to meet my baby. My husband and my mom were also there, exhausted, with my mom being a nervous wreck. Sarah came onto her shift so kind, uplifting, and positive; giving me a renewed energy and sense of calm going into the next phase of my labor journey. She coached and educated me about what was to come and encouraged me in the time I needed it most. When I was pushing it was like I had my own personal cheerleader and I felt as though she was just as excited for the arrival of our baby girl as we were.
She advocated for the elements I still wanted in my experience including delayed cord clamping and immediate skin to skin post delivery. Right before our daughter was born, Sarah made sure the doctor knew to delay the cord clamping and kept reassuring me that my daughter would be put on my chest immediately as long as there were no issues. She did all this without me asking but knew it was important to me and saw to it that it was done.
When my daughter was born Sarah made her a bow to put on her newborn hat and took a photo of our new family together as it was just my husband and me in the room during her delivery. I have that photo framed and in the nursery now and think of Sarah every time I see it, knowing she was behind the camera. It was such a special moment that I was too overwhelmed at the time to capture, but Sarah did it for us without me having to ask.
After delivery, Sarah made sure I was able to eat almost immediately since I had been on clear liquids and not eaten for over 30 hours (rookie mistake of first-time mom not eating before coming to the hospital). She gave us time with our family and made me feel like a million dollars telling me how great I did and how good I looked (even though I know I didn't).
I could go on and on and sing her praises all day. Next baby I have, I am requesting Sarah as my nurse. The things that make a great nurse are often the unspoken elements; their attitude, presence, extra steps, and simple gestures that are taken for granted. This was not lost on us and I could not be more grateful for Sarah making our experience what it was. I will never forget her and she will always be an integral part of the story of one of the best days of our lives.