I think one of the biggest worries any first-time mom has during pregnancy is the labor and birth process. We all have an idea of what we think we want it to be like, but we know it probably won't turn out to be that way, and we know we probably have no idea what we really want anyways because childbirth is uncharted territory, and scary. For me, all I knew was that I didn't want an epidural and that it was very important to me to have time with my daughter as soon as possible after she was born. What I didn't know was how to make these wishes known to the staff. Who do I need to tell? What do I say? When do I say it? Do I even know what I'm talking about?

The minute Angie walked into my room the morning I was to be induced, she alleviated all those concerns. She asked all the right questions and really took the time to figure out how I wanted the birth of my child to go. She explained the induction process, explained my pain management options, explained when I could move around and at what point I have to stay in bed, and then told me that I was lucky because my Dr. allowed popsicles. She kept those popsicles coming as often as I wanted them. She learned that I didn't want the epidural, and so she never suggested it. She kept up with my pain, and whenever my pain level increased or my response to my pain changed, she asked me if I needed to do something more to manage it. And when I did decide I wanted to take something, she was quick to get it to me.

Toward the end of my labor, the monitor began to show variations in my baby's heart rate. This put me at risk of needing a c-section if I couldn't get her out quickly enough, and I still wasn't quite ready to deliver yet. At this point, Angie encouraged me to sit upright to help speed up the process. When I wanted to lay down, she convinced me that I needed to stay upright - but she did it without scaring me. She never brought to my attention the possibility of a c-section.

About 2 hours or so after Angie told me I needed to sit up. I delivered my baby girl. She was perfect and healthy and I held her until I was ready to let her go for her hearing screen. My experience was beautiful and it was everything I could've asked for.

Angie made sure she knew what my needs were, even small details like whether I wanted my baby laid right on my belly or cleaned up first. She worked hard to give me the experience I wanted, and I wasn't her only patient. I asked her how many she had, and she told me there were 4 of us. I have no doubt in my mind that while Angie was busy making my experience all I wanted it to be and more, she was doing the same amazing thing for 3 other moms at the same time. And even after what had to be a hectic and exhausting day, she stayed until I delivered my baby half an hour after her shift ended.

She was no less exceptional during my post-partum stay. She figured out how I wanted my pain managed and she stayed on top of it. She found out that I love diet Pepsi, and she made sure there was always one in the fridge. She sat with me and gave me tips and encouragement when she learned I was having trouble breastfeeding. And any question I had, Angie had an answer that I could understand.

As a new nurse myself, only licensed for a few months, I saw the nurse I want to be in Angie. I hope that I can develop the compassion, the knowledge, the patience, the kindness, the bedside manner, and the work ethic that Angie brought with her to every shift she worked while I was there. I consider myself lucky to have been in her care when I had my first baby. I'll never forget that experience, or the exceptional nurse who gave me her best to make it special.