Portrait of a Tender (#5) - Laura - Labor and Delivery

#LoveConnectTend

#PortraitofaTender (#5)

Nursing was a second career for Laura. She was working as a clinic coordinator for a surgery office when she recognized that she wanted to be on "the patient side" of things working as a caregiver. She went to nursing school and has been working on labor and delivery at MJH for 15 years now. The opportunity to "support women at their most vulnerable" is what Laura finds most rewarding in her work, and "of course, there is nothing in the world like the first moment that parents see their new baby". There is a unique mixture of "fear and excitement" inherent to childbirth. "No two mothers are alike, and you never know what's coming next."

Childbirth remains very unpredictable despite many efforts to schedule and anticipate outcomes. The intensity and acuity level on a labor and delivery unit can change drastically. An emergency threatening the life of mother and child can walk through the door at any moment on any given day. "It keeps you on your toes!" she says, with a smile. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, and it's clear that brave hearts are at work here.

Laura reflected on how much she has enjoyed seeing former patients in the community over the years. They were always so happy to see their labor and delivery nurse. Since the pandemic, patients and nurses aren't easily able to recognize each other in the community because of masks. It's another little piece of connection and reward lost.

Meredith McKown Photography