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"Brain surgery and breast feeding"

About: Royal Victoria Hospital / Neurosurgery

(as a parent/guardian),

My daughter was admitted to hospital to have a brain stem tumour removed accompanied by her baby boy who was 2 months at the time. I stayed with her also to support breast feeding. This was greatly supported by the hospital staff. She left hospital four days after surgery but was re-admitted the following week needing further surgery and IV treatment. The baby stayed at home for two days using up a supply of expressed breast milk.  

The breast feeding consultant left a breast pump in the ward and sterilising equipment so that my daughter could maintain a supply for her little boy despite being very unwell. My grandson was brought to the hospital when my daughter felt a little bit better and feeding continued. All together we spent 24 nights in the RVH as a little family unit protecting the bond between mum and baby and ensuring that breastfeeding continued giving my beautiful grandson the best start in life.

The staff were truly wonderful and so good to us from medical staff to support staff and seeing how hard they worked for the good of others was humbling. The breast feeding consultant checked all the medication, left a crib for the baby and kept in touch throughout. Anything is possible when you have the best team and I am so grateful for the amazing consultant who performed a miracle. All in a day’s work - incredible the difference that people can make. Thank you 

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Responses

Response from Barbara Spratt, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust nearly 2 years ago
Barbara Spratt
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 29/06/2023 at 11:26
Published on Care Opinion at 11:26


Dear Charlietr95,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such positive feedback. As the Infant Feeding Lead in the Maternity Services, I was delighted to provide support to you and your daughter. I was so impressed by her determination and your avid support to keep baby close by. This ensured they could continue their close bond with minimum interruption to their breastfeeding journey. Your daughter is an inspiration and proof that it is possible to continue breastfeeding through the toughest of challenges with the right support.

Your daughters HV (WHSCT) got the ball rolling sending a domino effect for support. The Neuro Surgery team Dr McConnell, pharmacist David, Neurosurgery co-ordinator Claire and Sister Carla together with their wider teams were so supportive in welcoming and facilitation the whole family. I want to add my thanks to them.

True job satisfaction! This is how the Health Service truly can work together and we often don't get to hear these positive stories.

I hope you and your family can now take time to enjoy your little grandson.

Barbara

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