"Amazing first birth experience"

Craigavon Area Hospital - Southern Health and Social Care Trust - Continuity of Care Team - Emerald Team - Delivery Suite 

I had the most amazing birth experience with this team! Grace followed me right through my pregnancy and was absolutely excellent - I had so much trust in her and she provided brilliant support. The care I received antenatally from this team was outstanding - they continuously went above and beyond! Vicky (healthcare support) is fantastic - she provided me with lovely reflexology sessions to help induce labour and created the most lovely and calm environment. Grace was very reassuring, encouraging and professional during my sweeps and Vicky held my hand, helped me focus on breathing and encouraged me to relax - which was amazing!

During my Labour both Grace and Vicky were by my side the entire time - creating a safe, calm and supportive environment for both me and my partner. I couldn’t fault them even if I tried! They both have excellent knowledge and skills, Vicky very kindly provided reflexology and hand massage during my Labour which was amazing! Grace also ran me a bath as I had requested in my birth plan - even though I was in delivery suite and not MLU - they always did their best to follow my birth plan! They also rubbed my back during Labour and provided great counter pressure through contractions.  The girls couldn’t have created a better first experience for me and I’m so grateful!

There were also two other midwives called Sarah and I think Gemma ( apologies I can’t really remember her name as she came in during the pushing stage!). Both of these midwives were also excellent and were so caring and attentive - the whole team guided me through my delivery and encouraged me throughout. Sarah stayed after delivery and was so attentive to me, my fiancé and our baby - she was brilliant throughout. 

Even after delivery the amazing care from this team did not stop! They came to visit myself and baby the next day and again, went out above and beyond their duties. They’re so caring and they are just made for their jobs! 

I’m so glad I had such an amazing support network for my first birthing experience - it could not have been better! These girls deserve so much recognition and praise for the amazing work that they do, I don’t know what I would have done without them!