November 2022
Chelsea
Diorio
,
BSN, RN
Labor and Delivery
Lehigh Valley Hospital
Allentown
,
PA
United States
I may forget certain moments in both of my children’s births, but what I will NEVER forget is Chelsea and how she made me feel on both of those special days!
In 2021, I delivered my first child and had this amazing nurse Chelsea! She was only two weeks into her Labor and Delivery orientation, scared and completely unsure of what she was doing. She made an impression on me that will forever be unforgettable! Not only did she help me welcome my daughter into the world, but she also took care of all of my needs and took particularly good care of my husband and his needs at the time too. Fast forward to 2022- I’m being induced with my second child, and it’s getting later in the day. My day shift nurse, who was absolutely incredible, was asking who I wanted and was letting me know that they were going to be short of nurses on the night shift. While in communication with Chelsea, Chelsea decided to actually help out the unit and come in and work an extra night shift (not her standard day shift) and elected to be with me to finish out my labor journey! I was in complete shock that she would step away from her family to come in and support the unit as well as specifically take care of my family and me. I received an epidural early in her shift, and my BP bottomed out for over 2 hours. Chelsea not once left my side. She was an advocate for my health and care, and even though I was telling her that I was “okay,” she alerted anesthesia right away, and they continued to monitor and fix my pressure until both baby and I were safe. Once my pressures returned to a safe level, Chelsea had a game plan to get me dilated and delivered. She worked with me in moving my body in bed to keep me relaxed and keep the baby continuously monitored, all while communicating a plan of action and asking me if my needs were being met. I’ve never felt so supported and safe in such an anxiety-driven time. When it came to delivering my son, she again was right there by my side- coaching me, calming me, and talking me through what I needed to do to have the best and safest experience. She continually asked my husband if he needed anything and if his needs were being met. My delivery was magical and another moment in my life that I will never forget. Chelsea continued her support through my 2-hour postpartum phase, my transportation to mom and baby, and making sure that all three of us were taken care of. I think there are only a handful of moments in everyone’s lives that will forever be imprinted on their memory. I may forget certain moments in both of my children’s births, but what I will NEVER forget is Chelsea and how she made me feel on both of those special days! She will forever be a part of my children’s birth stories, and I’m lucky enough to call her a coworker and friend as well! My children will someday ask about their birth stories, and I will forever include Chelsea in those stories! She deserves to be recognized for her extraordinary work as a labor and delivery nurse.