May 2023
Cassandra
Klodt
,
RN CLC
Women & Family Center
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
Ottumwa
,
IA
United States
Casey’s guidance and ability to remain calm gave me the reassurance I needed to stay focused instead of worrying about what could be wrong – I felt safe and cared for.
I came to the hospital as a patient at 36 weeks pregnant. I knew I was early and knew you just have contractions sometimes and that is okay. I was planning to go to work when I started bleeding and that I knew was not okay. I was incredibly nervous – and I called the hospital to let them know I was coming and what was happening. The OB nurse met me in the lobby and quickly moved me to the OB unit. There, I saw Casey and she was very calm and reassuring as I continued having contractions, bleeding, and increasing pain. When decisions needed to be made regarding my care, Casey was informative and explained everything to me and my husband. For a while, I was unsure if I would be delivering or if labor would stop. I think Casey knew the whole time our little boy would be making his appearance rather shortly after our arrival. There were so many emotions – I was scared and nervous because I was early and bleeding and then happy and excited to meet this new baby. When I was admitted and I remember telling Casey, “I am freaking out, are you freaking out”? She looked me in the eye and said, “ I am not freaking out, I am going to take good care of you both and you are going to be okay.” Casey’s guidance and ability to remain calm gave me the reassurance I needed to stay focused instead of worrying about what could be wrong – I felt safe and cared for. Casey knew I wanted an epidural and helped me make the decision to get one, knowing from my previous delivery, I would likely progress quickly. She anticipated all my needs and had everything in order before I could ask for it. She even made sure my husband had breakfast. Within a few hours, our son was making his arrival. Casey continued to remain calm as I anxiously awaited his first cry and to know he truly was okay. At just 5 lbs 12 oz, he made his debut and was perfectly healthy! Casey went above and beyond to make sure our entire experience was great and that we had everything we needed throughout recovery and our stay. I was lucky enough to have Casey continue to care for us and help establish a good breastfeeding and care routine.