Your Complete Guide to Hospital Birth

I truly believe that good nurses are Angels that walk among us, and Nurse Kim Heathcote is most definitely proof. I am beyond grateful for the care I received from her before, during, and for the very scary few hours after the birth of my daughter, Marley in 2018. From the moment she walked into the room upon take in, her bright and positive personality brought a sense of calm, and almost a family like familiarity. As someone who copes with humor, it was appreciated that she got ours and gave it right back with a smile and a laugh. She eased my anxiety during my epidural. She stayed "close to my head" in the moments following my C-section when all other staff and husband were all about the baby. The next few hours after delivering were scary. But because of Kim, I felt safe, supported, and truly cared for. I will always remember the role she played in bringing my rainbow baby girl into the world, and I cannot thank her enough for the exceptional care she provided. She will always hold a special place in our hearts as THE BEST NURSE , EVER

During one of the most devastating moments of my life, Kim was a steady, compassionate presence. She guided me with tenderness, dignity, and deep respect for both my grief and my experience as a mother. Having been cared for by her during loss, I know firsthand the depth of humanity she brings to birth work, and her book reflects the kind of nurse every family deserves during life's most vulnerable moments

One of my most memorable labor experiences was having Kim as my nurse. During my first labor in 2022, I was just beginning to feel uncomfortable around 7 a.m. when Kim walked into the room. As a former coworker—and knowing firsthand what a rockstar labor and delivery nurse she is—I felt an immediate sense of calm. There was profound comfort in knowing that she would be the one to care for me through such an intense, difficult, and incredibly beautiful experience. I remember Kim asking if I wanted to use a mirror while pushing—something I hadn't considered and never would have thought I'd want. Thank God she did. Seeing my progress gave me the motivation I needed to push my occiput posterior baby out in just over an hour. I still remember her smile when he cried for the first time, and the overwhelming feeling that we had accomplished something extraordinary together. Two years later, it felt as though history repeated itself. My water broke in the middle of the night, and by 7 a.m., labor was once again underway. Then, once again, Kim walked in—this time greeting me with a giant hug. I felt an immediate rush of security, gratitude, and joy knowing she would help guide me through the birth of my second son. This labor moved quickly, and with anesthesia delayed, Kim's support became even more essential. She helped me cope through each contraction, offering hope and confidence in the moments when I truly felt I couldn't endure another minute. And once again, I remember her smile as my baby was delivered safely and placed on my chest. I am deeply grateful for the labor experiences I had with both of my children, and I attribute a significant part of that to having Kim as my nurse. She was my friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the steady support I needed most during some of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of my life