Here she is....

About our hospital stay

Here is the letter I'm sending the hospital CEO about our experience. It is nice to write these kinds of letters....

On June 18 at 8:00 pm, my water broke. My husband was outside mowing the lawn after a long afternoon of biking across town, playing squash, working out and meeting with professors on campus. Needless to say when our seven year old stepped outside to let him know, he was hot, dehydrated and hungry. This very natural event came as a surprise, as we had been planning induction at week thirty eight. The three, soon to be four, of us quickly packed a bag and drove to the hospital. The immediate compassion and caring attitude was apparent from the lady who brought me in a wheel chair to Amy bringing a bed for the weary worried dad.

I can’t recall all the names of the people who helped us. I can recall how helpful, caring, polite and quick to respond every one was. Whether or not it was Amy who was my nurse that evening or Whitney who was my nurse during the day, the patient care was amazing. They pulled Denise in to work on my IV. I know I am a hard stick and it is rare that I have someone who can get a vein on the first try. The ladies worked on finding a vein for an hour and fifteen minutes… but found and hit the vein on the first try. I knew that from that point on, I was in good hands for the epidural. Amy helped keep me calm as the Dr. completed the part of which I was most worried. It was relatively painless and thankfully, so was my labor.

We met one nurse during our preparatory tour a few months prior. Our then six year old had a thousand questions for Cathy. She remembered me. She remembered our son and his wonderful curiosity. This kind of genuine care and interest the staff showed for their patients was consistent and part of the culture. You should be proud of the entire staff – the nurses, CNA’s, Food and Nutrition – both over the phone and delivering to the room, housekeeping, volunteers, lab staff, lactation consultants and the nursing students, were wonderful to meet.

One thing stands out to me. My labor began to show signs of trouble after 15 hours of normal progress. Whitney responded quickly and paged my OB. She didn’t panic in front of me, she kept her cool. She got the right people in the room and had the information for Dr. B**** to direct a very quick delivery when he arrived. I knew something was awry by the way the room responded. It was all business and very focused. Dr. B**** controlled the room. Everyone had their game-face on, yet no one let the nervous parents see them sweat. In minutes our baby girl was delivered. The conversation in the room was very positive, with a hint of relief.

Here’s what I didn’t know at the time, but am thankful and impressed that Dr. B**** took the time to explain to me. Specifically he identified Whitney as a key player in our successful delivery and Lisa caring for our newborn. First and foremost was Whitney’s professionalism and quick action saved a crisis. She recognized the situation, identified the problem and put the wheels in motion. She should be commended for such quick action. Something put our baby in distress late in labor. The baby was tired and not responding well to contractions. The baby had to be delivered immediately. The baby needed a nurse that could help a stressed baby, Lisa. Thankfully, these two things turned the situation from crisis to celebration. Quick, smart, action leading to delivery and an excellent response by the nurses helped us bring home a happy, healthy girl.

I write this letter to let you know how thankful we are to everyone that had a part in this miracle.

Rachel Elizabeth is here.....

Tuesday June 19, 2007 at 11:54 Rachel Elizabeth joined this world.

Six pounds, fifteen ounces
Twenty-one inches

All is well. I'll post a picture when we get home.

She was scheduled for June 28th... well she didn't want to wait any longer.