Emma Rowlett
May 2021
Emma
Rowlett
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
Baptist Health Little Rock
My weak body could barely put my hair up but before we headed to the OR I wanted to get my hair put up. Emma immediately suggested she would love braiding it for me.
This was my first baby and was well past my due date. I came in on a Monday night to start the induction process. Tuesday came and I had high hopes I would be meeting my little one shortly by how well I was dilating.
Unfortunately for me, my water was not breaking, and my baby was not dropping low enough. Hours passed and they finally broke my water. Contractions were strong, quick, and lasting for hours with no progression. I eventually got an epidural, which I was optimistic about not getting at first. By the time Emma came in for her night shift, I was 7cm dilated, completely exhausted, and starting to lose hope. She was determined. Emma came in often to check on me. She utilized the peanut ball by lifting my numb heavy legs. I was moved from position to position. My exhaustion only made it harder for me to move, so I know I was getting heavy but that did not stop her.
Around 2:30 am I knew that I needed to get a c section because I was not dilating past 8 and I no longer had the energy to push. Emma came in and was telling me all they could do and comforting me. I had told her I can't do it. She assured me it will be okay and went straight to the doctor to let them know. The most memorable part that will stick with me forever is when she braided my hair. My weak body could barely put my hair up but before we headed to the OR I wanted to get my hair put up. Emma immediately suggested she would love braiding it for me. She maneuvered my body to one side and braided quickly and then to the other side to do the same. She knew I felt my worst and by simply giving me that little confidence boost I felt better in some way.
Also, those braids lasted me two days before I could finally get out of bed and shower, so I would say she can really braid some hair! I was then comforted the whole ride to the OR and assured It will all go smoothly. I had my little boy at 3:12 am. He weighed 9.5lbs so we were all sort of relieved I did not have to push him out. Emma helped me unlatch my bra and get him skin to skin. I was so sad when I had to go to the postpartum unit and get a new nurse. Emma provided a sense of comfort, strength, and hope for me. She made my most unbearable hours unremarkable. I could not thank her enough.
Unfortunately for me, my water was not breaking, and my baby was not dropping low enough. Hours passed and they finally broke my water. Contractions were strong, quick, and lasting for hours with no progression. I eventually got an epidural, which I was optimistic about not getting at first. By the time Emma came in for her night shift, I was 7cm dilated, completely exhausted, and starting to lose hope. She was determined. Emma came in often to check on me. She utilized the peanut ball by lifting my numb heavy legs. I was moved from position to position. My exhaustion only made it harder for me to move, so I know I was getting heavy but that did not stop her.
Around 2:30 am I knew that I needed to get a c section because I was not dilating past 8 and I no longer had the energy to push. Emma came in and was telling me all they could do and comforting me. I had told her I can't do it. She assured me it will be okay and went straight to the doctor to let them know. The most memorable part that will stick with me forever is when she braided my hair. My weak body could barely put my hair up but before we headed to the OR I wanted to get my hair put up. Emma immediately suggested she would love braiding it for me. She maneuvered my body to one side and braided quickly and then to the other side to do the same. She knew I felt my worst and by simply giving me that little confidence boost I felt better in some way.
Also, those braids lasted me two days before I could finally get out of bed and shower, so I would say she can really braid some hair! I was then comforted the whole ride to the OR and assured It will all go smoothly. I had my little boy at 3:12 am. He weighed 9.5lbs so we were all sort of relieved I did not have to push him out. Emma helped me unlatch my bra and get him skin to skin. I was so sad when I had to go to the postpartum unit and get a new nurse. Emma provided a sense of comfort, strength, and hope for me. She made my most unbearable hours unremarkable. I could not thank her enough.