"Our Birth Experience"

I was admitted in January after testing positive for leaking fluids. Over my time in labour ward I got to chat with many midwives, all of which were lovely and reassuring. They kept me informed and reminded me I was in charge in the room. They listened to my pain relief requests and did their best to give me a natural birth.

I ended up with a 60+ hour labour and emergency C-section due to baby not being in a great position so labour couldn't progress. However, I was kept calm and comfortable (maybe too comfortable as I was ready to fall asleep on the operating table!) Our baby boy was born weighing 6lbs 7oz.

Overall I was still happy with the experience of labour and delivery. I was just glad to know my son was born safely. One of our midwives from the delivery suite came up to see what we had as she was going off shift, just as I was ready to push which was sweet of her. I wish I'd asked if she wanted to hold him, but my head was still full of new information and tired from the long labour that I didn't even think. 

We stayed in Johnstone House as the other wards were full. The care there was incredible. We ended up in for a week as my baby wasn't feeding well, became jaundiced and very lethargic etc. Staff kept checking on us periodically and he was allowed to stay with me the entire time. The paediatricians were very thorough with their tests on my baby and discussed everything in detail. They listened to my concerns and all the staff were comforting during all of the tears over my fears for my baby (I had 2 miscarriages before this pregnancy). They gave my baby antibiotics and a second round of phototherapy which did the trick.

My baby finally woke up and cried looking fed. He was so loud inside his incubator that it woke me. He took 70 mls in 5 minutes. I know it mightn't seem like much, but I had been having to ask for help to feed him as he just wasn't taking feeds and my milk supply wasn't coming in properly. We were all trying everything to keep him awake long enough to feed and every 3 hours I had to request help as he was only taking 15 mls in 40-60 mins for us so this was a big change. 

The ward was kept clean and tidy, staff were pleasant and encouraging me with trying to express whatever I could. They got excited with me when I managed to make enough to fill a bigger syringe (I never made it past 20 mls but I was still giving him something). Having the same staff was great as we got to know them better and made me feel more comfortable during a stressful and emotional time.

I would write all of their names but there's just too many and I wouldn't want to miss anybody out. During our final couple of days, lots of the ladies came in to see him awake and chat. The ward is well run and friendly. I'm so thankful for everyone who was part of our care. Even with everything that went on with my baby during his first week of life, I would still have another one and go back to The Royal and Johnstone House if I were to be so lucky again. 

I wish I could show them how well my baby is doing now. Although he was admitted to Blossom in Craigavon Hospital at 4.5 weeks as he mottled head to toe and was tachycardic (cause unknown), he is now the happiest, smiliest (not so little!) boy who absolutely loves his bottles. He's smashing his milestones and is just such a sweet little blessing. Thank you all so much for your care and doing everything you could to make sure he was OK. You are a great team and definitely in the right jobs.