We are delighted to partner with St. Luke's to bring you a sponsored post series that highlights the birthing process from different perspectives.
Labor. It’s messy. It’s complicated. It’s beautiful. It’s private and intimate (and yet… it can sometimes feels like a spectator sport!). No two birthing experiences are alike but there are enough similarities that moms often share a fair amount of good advice and information on how to prepare for labor and delivery with moms-to-be . But what about those other people in the room? Your doctor and your nurses? They’re also a wealth of knowledge when it come to the birthing process.
Duluth Moms Blog caught up with four women: two new mothers, an obstetrician, and a nurse and interviewed them about the ins and outs about life (literally!) in St. Luke’s Birthing Center. Keep tuning in each day this week as we share their words of wisdom.
Meet OB Nurse Laura Plewa
Laura has been a nurse for 21 years and has worked with St. Luke’s for 15 years. She worked in a variety of areas but has always had OB involvement in her career. She enjoys running and mountain biking with her two dogs. Laura and her husband of 21 years spend time together pistol shooting and occasionally get out to enjoy riding on their dirt bikes. Laura and her husband have four children together, two girls, Aria and Andrea, and two boys, Carl and Calvin. Laura cherishes the time she has with her kids and loves watching them grow up.
The Interview
What influenced your decision to become a nurse in St. Luke’s Birthing Center?
I was working in the float pool and was assigned shifts on the OB unit at times. The teamwork and unity of the the nurses was so strong I thought, “I want to be part of that!” When a position opened up I took it. I’m so glad I did.
What was your longest shift and how many mamas did you assist during it?
I am a 12 hour per shift nurse. I have worked hundreds of 16 hour shifts over the past 20 years. I believe the most deliveries I have helped with in some way during the day was 5. But helping out mamas with post delivery, breast feeding, and pain management is ongoing.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I think I can say we all love seeing seeing the whole birth process and watching a new life come into the world is amazing. But I can say for myself I love admitting a couple to the Birthing Center. I love to hear their story unfold on how this whole pregnancy started. Everyone has a story and I love to hear it!
Be honest, how often do you cringe at the names parents give their new babies?
Oh my…a small few number of names pop up a year and I just nod my head and say, “Okay, how do you spell that?”
Can you give expecting mamas some advice about how best to show their appreciation for their nurses? Baked goods? Return visits? Thank you cards?
Ah, nurses love food I can say that for sure! Sometimes we don’t get a break and to have a treat already there for us is so nice. We love return visits to see how everyone is doing. We don’t get that too often. Just saying “thank you” though is enough, really.
Do you have any “tricks of the trade” about how to calm fussy babies?
I have found babies love movement. I swaddle them up with their arms at their sides and rock them or stand and hold them doing a deep knee bend…which I have perfected over the years. Patience. Lots of patience!
We bet there’s nothing you haven’t seen, so what do you say to moms who are embarrassed by the nitty-gritty parts of giving birth?
Please do not worry about anything your body goes though during labor or delivery. It is natural to be embarrassed but really, we have seen it all and the less worry you have the more you will be able to relax and let your body do the work it was designed to. Talk about your fears or concerns to the nurse too so she can help you through them.
What do you wish moms knew about their nurses?
That we are human too. We hurt when you hurt. We are sad when you are sad. We celebrate when you do. We do everything we can to help you have a safe delivery.
What was the longest labor you’ve ever attended?
There has been many times I have worked 16 hours with a laboring mama, went home to bed, come back and she is still laboring. I don’t want to give numbers here but it can sometimes be a slow process for some mothers.
Name three essential items a mom should pack in her hospital bag.
Your own pillow for sure! Any special light snacks would be nice. And don’t forget to pack your patience. Babies arrive when they are good and ready.
