I am a first-time mom, and the day I went into labor ended up being nothing as I expected. I labored mostly at home, and by the time I got to the hospital, it was almost time to have my baby. I have been a nurse for about 4 years. Working in an ICU, I have seen some very sick patients who were post-partum, so I was extremely fearful and nervous to be a patient myself.

From the time I arrived in the triage room, Raechel was calm, while I was not. She was informative in a way that I could process during the pain and shock of how soon my baby was coming. She started advocating for me immediately. Raechel knew that I was most likely too far along for an epidural, which is how I had originally planned to give birth. Instead of dismissing my ask for pain management and telling me no, she called the CRNA and gave me the opportunity to understand that I wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough for it.

I have often seen patients get dismissed when we, as nurses, think we already know the answer. Many times, it is because the extra phone call just takes too much time. Raechel let me have a bit of hope while simultaneously preparing me mentally for natural childbirth. She stayed by my side the entire time, offering a reassuring hand or cold washcloth, keeping my husband informed, advocating for interventions to the provider, and keeping me focused and calm.

In between contractions, it became harder and harder to relax. I just wanted to get my baby out. Raechel coached me to let go of the contraction and rest for the next push. She helped me understand what I needed to do to meet my baby boy. I was able to let go of all the fears that I had associated with childbirth and being a patient because of the nurse that Raechel is. I knew I could trust her and she would do everything she could to keep my baby and me safe.

Raechel’s dedication extended even after delivery. She immediately helped me latch him to breastfeed, showing me different ways to hold him and offering advice that has still been helpful in feeding my baby boy. She did this with kindness and patience all while lending encouraging words even when I couldn’t get it right.

I have truly never felt fear like I did walking into the hospital and realizing that I was going to have an unmedicated birth that I hadn’t prepared for. Raechel gave me strength and a sense of empowerment that I didn’t realize I had in me. She was calm in the midst of a crisis. I honestly don’t think I would have made it through that day without her.

I know what it takes to give that kind of care to a patient, and Raechel gave everything she had to my sweet boy and me. I will be forever grateful to her. I really can’t express in words the gratitude and respect my husband and I both feel for her. Raechel taught me that I can do things that I believed would be impossible, even when I am scared.

Thank you so much, Raechel!