My husband and I were scheduled to be admitted to the Family Center for the birth of our first child. From the moment we arrived, we were immediately comforted by the kindness, professionalism, and clinical skill shown by the entire team.

Kalina was our nurse on the first night of our stay. She made sure we understood our plan of care and encouraged us to focus on getting a good night’s rest. Although she wasn’t assigned to us again, she still checked in throughout our stay and was part of the incredible team that helped bring our baby into the world.

Kaitlyn was our nurse during the day of labor. She taught us exercises to help our baby move into the right position and to provide me with some relief, while also including my husband in my care. That inclusion made our labor and birthing experience even more special. When my contractions became more intense and frequent, she advocated for the placement of my epidural, ensuring that I was as comfortable as possible while still feeling in control.

That night, Lindsey was our nurse. She helped us through one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of our lives. During labor, our baby’s heart rate would occasionally drop with the stronger contractions, and she quickly and calmly responded with a team of nurses to make sure everything was alright. Even in those stressful moments, I felt complete confidence in the care I was receiving.

We labored for more than 30 hours, and this incredible team—along with my husband and our physician—never gave up on me. Their encouragement, compassion, and strength gave me the determination to keep going, and I know they are the reason I was able to deliver naturally. Everyone’s positivity and reassurance helped me believe I could do it.

When our baby arrived, the team immediately prioritized his care while also ensuring we had our first precious moments of skin-to-skin contact. That gesture is something I will never forget.

Every single person involved in our care was amazing. I may not be able to name them all, but I truly believe each one was placed in our lives for a reason; to guide us safely through childbirth and help bring our sweet baby into the world. I will forever be grateful for their exceptional care, compassion, and dedication.

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It was a life-changing night. I was 34 weeks pregnant when I began to bleed heavily at home. My husband and I rushed to the hospital. On the way, I called the Family Center to explain what was happening and let them know we were on our way. A doctor called me back to get more information so the team could be ready. I had experienced a placental abruption before, so I feared that might be happening again.

When we arrived at the Family Center entrance, I remember seeing several nurses running toward me. They quickly got me into a wheelchair and rushed me to a triage room. By that point, I felt like I was going to pass out from blood loss. I remember being lifted onto the bed, surrounded by nurses and staff moving swiftly and efficiently, some starting IVs, others collecting blood, and one preparing the ultrasound machine. The doctor arrived and took control of the situation while the team worked seamlessly together. She told me that my baby still had a faint heartbeat and that they were going to do everything possible to get him out in time, and I knew she meant it.

They rushed me to the operating room for an emergency procedure. Everyone moved with incredible speed, yet continued to reassure me with words like, “We’ve got you,” and “We’re with you.”

Although the outcome was not what I had hoped for, I knew in my heart that every single person did everything they could. I will never forget that night, not only because of what happened, but because of the extraordinary care and compassion I received. I will never be able to thank each person who was there with me, but I hope they know how deeply grateful I am. They gave everything they had for me and my son, and that is something I will carry with me forever.