I am a certified nurse-midwife who gave birth to my first baby recently. I experienced a complete change to my birth plan when it became necessary to be admitted to the hospital for labor augmentation with Pitocin due to prolonged rupture of membranes and risk of infection. I received an epidural at 3 cm for pain relief and to promote fetal rotation from an asynclitic LOP position to an optimal OA position. Due to receiving an epidural so early in dilation, I was concerned that I might end up in an unnecessary cesarean section if I was not repositioned enough to encourage this optimal fetal rotation and descent.

Holly was my dayshift nurse. She walked in and I immediately felt so safe and cared for. We talked about my labor journey up to that point and the change in my birth plan. She looked at me and said, “We were going to turn you like a rotisserie chicken until this baby comes out!” This was music to my ears and the best birth plan I could’ve imagined at that moment! Holly worked nonstop with me all day to reposition me, encourage my baby to rotate into a more optimal position, and progress my labor. Due to Holly’s efforts and the support of my midwife, my doula, and my incredible husband —my baby rotated, my labor progressed, and I did not develop an infection. I gave birth vaginally and unmedicated to our beautiful, healthy baby boy! This was my DREAM BIRTH!!!

I am so grateful for Holly, and I will never forget her! I truly believe I avoided a cesarean section due to Holly’s care, kindness, and incredible expertise in repositioning with an epidural to promote fetal rotation/descent and labor progression. I am nominating her for this DAISY Award as a reminder of how incredible she is and the difference she makes in the lives of her patients.