For 10 days prior to my daughter’s birth, I had been feeling pressure, a pressure that can only be explained by that “mom-gut” feeling. On several occasions, I had been told via telephone triage that this was likely constipation and over-the-counter medications/treatments were recommended. I sent a MyChart message to my doctor letting her know this sensation continued and, if anything, felt more intense despite previous suggestions. My doctor offered to evaluate me on the Labor and Delivery unit, as she was now the on-call provider. As a pediatric pulmonary nurse at UIHC, I naturally asked her if I could “swing by” Labor and Delivery after attending a team meeting in the NICU. When I couldn’t make it through that meeting because of my symptoms, I decided to head to the visit with my doctor earlier than my scheduled appointment time. Immediately, Abby welcomed me with a smile, walked me back to the exam room and reassured me it was always good to be checked out. This was the first time in 10 days I felt heard. When she put the monitor on me, she asked me to change positions multiple times. When this was not successful in raising my daughter’s heart rate, she called my doctor into the room. I remember her pushing the staff emergency button and telling me, “I just want you to know that a lot of people will be rushing in, but we are going to get you the help you need.” My daughter was under stress and we didn’t know why. My doctor called my husband to ask him to head to the hospital ASAP, as I was needing an emergency c-section. While the rest of my story is a blur, I can still hear Abby saying, “If I were in your shoes, I would want a hug, so I am going to give you one right now.” Abby hugged me the entire time I was being wheeled to the OR. My husband made it to the delivery with what felt like seconds to spare. During the procedure, Abby was called back to triage, but made sure to come back and visit us in the recovery room afterwards. Seventeen months later, I still feel Abby deserves an endless amount of thank yous. I thank Abby for caring for me, for listening to me, and, most importantly, saving my daughter. I thank God every day that Abby was in triage that day.

While I remember how scary this day was, I have a beautiful, healthy daughter because of it. I also know this may not have been the case if it hadn’t been for Abby (and my doctor, of course). I want Abby to know how much she is appreciated. She has made an ever-lasting impact on our growing family and my personal nursing practice as I try to echo the words she gave me that day.