Courtney was an amazing nurse during the birth of my twins. I went in for induction and during check in Courtney asked what my birth plan was.

I got to tell her that I was planning and praying for a vaginal delivery, with no epidural, delayed cord clamping, and made some other specific requests.

Courtney listened and then also walked me through how, during a typical twin birth, the doctor likes to move into the OR in case of complications. She also went out of her way to show us the route to the OR we’d take if it came to it.

Which was really helpful because I am a person who likes information, so I can better prepare myself.

At one point in my induction, the anesthesiologist came in and told me he’d like to start an epidural sooner rather than later because if I needed a c-section, it is easier to already have the medication started.

Courtney was not in the room when the guy came in, but she must have heard what he said, because she came in after to let us know that we didn’t have to do that since it wasn’t a part of my birth plan, and that if I did end up needing a c-section, there are other things they can do for pain.

I was so glad she talked to us right after that happened because I really wanted to do this labor without pain medication, and it felt like that was going to be “taken” from me. Courtney took those fears away!

Throughout my induction, Courtney really helped me by letting me get off the monitors and walk around, and she helped me get in the whirlpool once I decided I needed it.

Once active labor started, she let me labor on the floor where I was most comfortable-even bringing me a mattress pad for my knees- and then once I absolutely needed to be in the bed, she helped me get there and position the bed so I could labor on my hands and knees.

Everything I said I needed- she made it happen if it was possible.

I truly credit my twin, vaginal birth with no epidural, to Courtney and the rest of my medical team because they were all so calm when I wasn’t, helped keep me informed, and helped guide me through the birthing process from start to finish.

Courtney even stayed a few minutes after her shift to help me finish my delivery!

It was the most positive birth experience I could have imagined, and I will be forever grateful for my care team- and Courtney especially!