I came from my home in Battle Mountain 39+ weeks pregnant. My contractions at home were such that I felt it was time to head to Elko to be checked out. On our drive over my contractions were few and far between. I still went in to be checked by Labor and Delivery and found a shift change was happening. During my stay, I found every labor and delivery nurse I encountered to be pleasant and helpful. The entire staff made my experience more bearable.
But on this particular day, Emily was to be "my" nurse. From the start, she was friendly, attentive, and competent. I was comfortable in her care and liked her as well. To me, she was the perfect nurse. As the day wore on my contractions eventually began again. I had an idea from my previous two pregnancies and births what my labor might be like and Emily there listening to me the whole way. In my opinion, I do not labor quickly, but she comforted and encouraged me all day. Because of my slow-ish labor, I was not actually considered in active labor for some time. That meant no epidural. For me laboring without an epidural was not in my plan and was something I was not prepared for. Emily was a huge help getting me through painful, real contractions without pain medication. She gave me suggestions about different positions I could try to get through the pain, things my husband could do for me, and even lobbied on my behalf for a lesser medication to "take the edge off." I was there laboring through her entire shift and am so appreciative of all Emily did for me. I could not have been more fortunate than to have Emily help me through what I can say is the worse pain I have ever experienced. I truly am grateful and thankful she was there that day!
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I underwent an induction and the next morning I was introduced to my nurse, Emily. Emily was so kind from the very beginning. This was my first child and I was very nervous about what lay ahead in labor and delivery. When the time came for my epidural Emily held my hand, allowing me to squeeze it. Emily continued to motivate me and talk me through my contractions. When the time came to push, I was lucky enough to have her during my first 6 pushes. Emily continued to motivate me and help me through a scary time. When my daughter entered this world she was very tense and wasn't breathing. Watching the nurses and doctors work on her to get her to breathe was the most difficult and heartbreaking moment my husband and I endured. Once again, Emily was there to reassure us both that she would be fine. Once back in the room, Emily was very attentive and assisted my husband and me with learning the ropes of life with a newborn. Through my anxiety and doubt that I could "do this" Emily was there to reassure me that I would be a wonderful mom and could handle anything thrown my way. Tomorrow my daughter will be 3 weeks old, and I genuinely believe that Emily encouragement in the hospital allowed for my confidence to grow when we went home. All in all, Emily was a bright moment in my experience.