I met Bre while I was supporting another mama during her labor. She was so sweet and good with my client and I thought it would be nice for those in the community to get to know some of our lovely L&D nurses, especially since they are such a huge part of your birth team if you're giving birth at the hospital!
She decided not to have a photo posted with her interview but rest assured, she's as beautiful and sweet as she sounds in the interview.
Me: Would you mind introducing yourself and telling us a little bit about what you do?
Breanna: My name is Breanna Parks, I've been working as an L&D nurse for about five years now, I've been a nurse for around seven years in various specialties. Me: Have you always wanted to be a nurse/ did you always want to be in L&D?
Breanna: I actually became a nurse to become a midwife. I don't think that is my path any longer but I do love what I do, I feel like I touch a lot of lives and have helped a lot of people achieve the birth experience they wanted, safely. I like to give patients all of their options and education so they can feel empowered in their choices. Me: What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
Breanna: The strength of women always amazes me. It is truly awesome to see someone show such strength and courage in the midst of so much fear and often pain. It isn't for the faint of heart. Me: What’s your best advice for someone who is planning a hospital birth?
Breanna: You are allowed to refuse anything but be open to education. I want you to know all of your options and what is recommended and then make the best decision for yourself and your baby. If something doesn't work for you-ask if there is an alternative, we are willing to work with you to the best of our abilities. Me: What is one thing you wish all women knew?
Breanna: You can do this! It is ok for you to say 'no' to anyone asking you to do anything and that is a complete sentence. Me: If you could change one thing about the standard of maternal care either prenatally or postpartum, what would it be?
Breanna: The education. There needs to be a lot more of it, starting before a woman even gets pregnant if possible. People need to know their options and what is best for them as individuals-it's not one size fits all. Sometimes you will think something is exactly right for you and then in the moment, you decide on following a different path. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. Knowledge is power! Me: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you HAVE to have with you?
Breanna:
1- Food 2- My phone if possible, it has my Kindle app on it. 3- Water 4- A good pillow 5- a lighter Me: What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Breanna:
1- Flexible
2- Prepared
3- Methodical
Me: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Breanna: Most birth workers want to do what is best for mom/baby, hopefully, in the way mom envisioned it would be, just let us know what you want and hope for so we can all work together. Breanna: If someone wanted to get in touch with you, what’s the best way to do that?
Breanna: By email. bltparks92@gmail.com
I hope you enjoyed getting to know one of the amazing L&D nurses in our community! Some other lovely nurses have agreed to do an interview so look forward to those as well!!
"The moment a child is born, a mother is born also"
much love,
Olivia