In March my husband and I walked in to the hospital so I could be induced. This would be my 4th delivery. We were greeted by a nurse with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. I knew, right then, she would be amazing, but I had no idea, just how amazing she would turn out to be! We all got introduced and Starla helped to get everything situated and ready for the big event. I was not the least bit worried or concerned anymore, she calmed every nerve in my body.
She proceeded to ask me what my plans for the delivery would be. Was I planning to have an epidural? Who would be in the delivery room? Every question was focused on me and my wishes. It made me feel empowered and in control- which is, exactly, what I needed.
There is one important part to this story that I haven't mentioned yet. That being -I was a gestation carrier. This was the 2nd child I carried for this family. I had delivered their first baby boy in Oct. 2012.
Starla knew the situation as soon as we arrived. But, she told me from the very beginning, this was all about me. She was here to help me. We had an instant connection. We talked about my kids, her kids, our jobs. I could completely relate to her. As it turned out, my husband even refs her son's baseball games! What a small world!
When the biological parents arrived she made sure to introduce herself and also listen to their wants and wishes for the delivery. Who was going to cut the cord? Who would hold the baby immediately after? These were all things we had previously discussed, so she did know the answers to them but it made them feel more involved. Which they greatly appreciated!
As the day went on we quickly realized that her shift would end before I delivered. I was so upset by this and just devastated. How was I going to be able to bond with another nurse as I had bonded with her? Would she understand this unique situation and honor our wishes like she had been? So many questions that I didn't want to think about. But, suddenly, Starla walked back into the room with a huge smile and said she had talked to her supervisor and she had agreed to let her stay another 3 hours! I was elated as I was almost ready to push and she was the only person I wanted in there at that time. I breathed a huge sigh of relief!
Well, things didn't quite go as planned. I started to push but it became very evident that this wasn't going to be easy. I pushed for a good hour and made little progress. I was getting very frustrated at this point. But not Starla- she was right there. She kept looking at me and telling me that I could do this. When I started to doubt myself, she would tell me that I was doing great and that I could do this. If she hadn't of been there, I would have begged for a c section.
After an hour of pushing she asked me if I wanted to take a break and "labor down." She asked me- she didn't tell me- she asked me my thoughts on this. I immediately said yes. So, the biological parents and my husband left the room and I tried to rest a bit. That only lasted around 45 minutes before I really needed to start pushing again. But, again, we realized this still wasn't going to be an easy delivery. I also realized that her extra 3 hours was going to run out on me. As panic was about to set in, that she really was going to leave me, she came to the rescue and said she was approved to stay through the entire duration of my delivery. I almost cried I was so happy and relieved. I needed her there, because this was the hardest delivery I had experienced. I needed her support and her motivation to get me through this.
Well, after 3 long hours of pushing, he finally came out! He had been facing straight up towards the ceiling and the cord was wrapped around his neck which made everything more difficult. But, he was out and he was healthy! We couldn't have asked for a more perfect outcome. An outcome that almost didn't happen.
Starla had stayed well beyond her scheduled shift, all for me! When she went to walk out of the room she turned around and asked me if she could give me a hug, which I gladly accepted. I immediately burst into tears and thanked her for everything she had done. I am tearing up just typing that, thinking back to that moment!
I don't think she will ever realize exactly what she did for me that day. There are no words to describe the feelings I have for her. That is why I am nominating Starla Anderson for this award. She deserves to be recognized. She is doing exactly what she was put on this earth to do.
Note: This is Starla's second DAISY Award!