My husband and I welcomed our first child by way of an unplanned c-section after 19 hours of labor and 3.5 hours of pushing. Looking back on that day, I can't imagine a nurse better than Kim Beres to help us go through one of the hardest and most rewarding moments in our lives. My water broke the night before, and we were admitted around 11pm. The overnight hours were extremely challenging, as labor intensified. The next morning, Kim walked into our room (along with nurse D, who was being trained that day by Kim, lucky her!), introduced herself, and let us know she'd be with us that day. She diligently came into our room throughout the day, checking on me and the baby, making sure the monitors were in place, all while showing D everything she was doing and even giving her the reins on certain things throughout the day. 

When the time came to start pushing, Kim never left my side. She was very attentive and had a calming presence, which I needed, as this was my first time being in labor. She worked with me to incorporate different methods and positions to try, even showing my husband how he could be involved in the process. It was a full team effort. 

After 3.5 hours of pushing, my doctor decided we needed a c-section due to my baby's position and the fact that she wasn't progressing down the birth canal. Kim remained by my side as we prepared for surgery, which I really needed since my husband was taken to another room. She shared that she had c-sections with her children and ensured that all would be good. I was terrified, never having major surgery before, and her presence helped me stay as calm as possible (despite the uncontrollable shaking). 

She came into the operating room, I saw her before the procedure began, which was extremely scary. In the end, I was healthy and so was our baby girl, so all was okay. I saw Kim after the procedure was over and was relieved in that moment knowing that she was still in the room with me. To be honest, she felt like an angel to me throughout that entire day. She was with me as I was wheeled back into our recovery room, where my husband and new baby were. Kim went above and beyond that day, staying with me through the end. She even came back the next day to check in on us and congratulate us once again. 

I know there are many wonderful nurses at St. Mary's Hospital, and we were blessed to have great nurses throughout our entire stay, but Kim really was a bright light that day. We truly needed her in those moments of fear, anxiety, nervousness, and, ultimately, joy. My husband and I are eternally grateful for Kim and couldn't have gone through this without her. She embodies what it means to be a nurse, truly caring for her patients and ensuring they are getting the best care possible, even if it means a long, taxing day for her. St. Mary's is lucky to have her. She's one of the best and truly deserves this important recognition! I'm so happy knowing other moms will have the chance to have her during their deliveries at St. Mary's Hospital.