My Place of Work, Her Place of Birth

I always wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse. I can remember back in my high school anatomy class choosing nursing as my future career and more specifically delivering those squishy peanuts. It took me 3 years of pediatric nursing to finally get here but it was all in good timing. 

I've been a part of countless deliveries here in this very room. During my pregnancy I wondered how hard it would be for me to "turn off nurse mode" and "turn on patient only mode". I didn't want to hear the heart beat, and watch the monitor worrying. I wanted to be just a patient in the bliss of my own ignorance. You see, you encounter a lot as a labor nurse. The great, the bad, and the heart wrenching....and every single possibility in between. I've shared happy tears and sad tears. It was hard to be "just a patient".

I wasn't sure how comfortable I would feel delivering my own baby where I work, but it was the absolute best thing ever. I received the same privacy any other patient received and had my husband and best friend (also a L&D nurse) at my side. Being around so many people that love and supported me was so amazing. If anything were to drop south, I knew I had the best hands on deck. 

This transformation into motherhood will make me a better nurse. I have a better understanding. I'll have more patience and empathy. Not like I didn't embody these qualities before, but it's different now. More personal. 

Freya, welcome to the room that has forever changed my life. ❤️

Labor bumps, and John ❤️