"I have never in my life seen such care, love, skill and professionalism"

My wife and I were having our second child and went to Leicester General Hospital recently. My wife had her waters broken and gave birth six hours later. My son was born 3 years prior in the same ward and I can say without a doubt that it’s the only place I would have ever wanted my children to be born.

Leanne was our 1st midwife who done an excellent job up until she was taken from us due to lack of organisation arranging to have someone manage the second shift on the phones at Leicester Royal for antenatal department.( Very kind of her to volunteer. Truly a lovely girl. )

Then we had Elenor, who was just as wonderful and caring. Talked us both through and provided all the comfort and support we could ask for. I then heard a conversation regarding my unborn child with Elenor and a surgeon ( I believe) talking about how she suspected that my unborn appeared to have the cord wrapped around her throat. When I enquired to what would be done they called in the head of the department to try and confirm this as my unborn’s heart rate kept dropping below 20 beats per minute when my wife had a contraction.

The head of department asked my wife to push, even though she was only just over 8 centimetres dilated - this I believe was to try and feel the cord around her throat. Once she felt the cord and confirmed Eleanor’s fears the panic button was hit and my wife was rushed to the surgery suite.

I was terrified for both my wife and unborn. I was constantly reassured and given a gown to change into. I swear when I went into that room there must have been 10-15 people working on my wife, reassuring her and me. I have never in my life seen such care, love, skill and professionalism combined. I honestly believe with all my heart if it wasn’t for the midwives and Leicester General that I would likely be without my beautiful baby girl and/or my hero of a wife.

The team at Leicester General are superheroes that don’t need capes nor ask for the recognition that they deserve. Thank you Eleanor, Leanne, the surgeons, anaesthetist and all of you that helped my family. The tears of joy that I have cried are thanks to you.