Kristin J., RN Registered Nurse

May 23, 2008

As a registered nurse specializing in maternity care, I have seen my fair share of births, but every birth continues to astound me. It’s amazing to see this beautiful miracle right before your eyes. I went into maternity care because I liked the babies. I soon realized that my primary role is taking care of the mothers-to-be.

Childbirth is such an important time in mothers’ lives. Mothers-to-be are facing the unknown, and some naturally feel unsure. Having two children of my own, I can put myself in the mother’s position. I treat each baby as if he or she were my own, each mom as if she were a close friend of mine.

As a labor nurse, I provide a link between expectant mothers and their doctors, often offering just as much guidance and reassurance as medical care. First time mothers, in particular, often form a close bond with their labor nurse during this important time.

At Columbia Center, each nurse is assigned to only one labor patient, and they stay with that patient during the entire process. They’re able to really connect.

Each expectant mother admitted at Columbia Center is treated on an individual basis. Labor nurses take a very involved role in the birthing process. Before labor begins, moms-to-be are encouraged to voice their plans and wishes for the birthing process. We nurses consider it our personal responsibility to make each mother’s experience the best, most positive one possible.

All our nurses have many years of experience. There is a bond of trust between our physicians and labor nurses, which helps us be the eyes and ears for the doctors.

Besides being a link between the mother and the doctor, one of our most important duties is to help fathers feel comfortable. A good labor nurse realizes that husbands feel just as unsure and nervous as their wives. We help them, too.

Our prenatal classes help prepare fathers by teaching them how to help their spouse through each stage of labor. They are taught techniques like breathing, massage and imagery, providing dads with the background they need to be able to offer support to their spouse in labor.

If our patients and their spouses feel like they may need additional support, doulas are also available on staff to provide support to both parents during the labor process. Patients are welcome to meet the doulas ahead of time to see how this program works and get to know our staff doulas.

I encourage moms to feel free to share their thoughts and concerns with us. Many moms are uncomfortable admitting they are afraid, but fear of the unknown is a natural part of the birthing process. Every mom wants to feel confident and prepared, but you aren’t expected to know what to do or how to feel.

I love being able to be there for that miraculous moment when a child is born. The best part is just watching the parents, seeing how excited they are. It’s such a transformation from seeing them waiting nervously beforehand to afterwards when they are happily holding their baby.

A labor nurse’s role does not end when the baby is born. Families are encouraged to call anytime, day or night, with the many questions all new parents have. We get asked everything from questions regarding about their baby’s health to sleeping patterns. Many parents hate to wake their doctors in the middle of the night. We can help them decide if they should call their doctor.

We’re there 24/7, ready to take their calls.