"Words of support and validation will stay with me"

I was advised to contact the maternity hospital to arrange a post birth debrief. This occurred an extended time after my baby's birth and I was transferred to Barbara to discuss the process.

From the initial conversation, Barbara was kind, compassionate and gentle. The circumstances leading up to, and the birth itself, of my first baby were stressful and my baby unfortunately sustained an injury which led to feelings of overwhelming guilt, trauma and postnatal anxiety.

Barbara was accommodating and excellent at communicating regarding the debrief appointment. She reassured me that she would meet me at the door and accompany me through the building in case re-entering the maternity hospital was daunting.

Barbara was well prepared and knowledgeable about my birth experience, she knew my baby's name and put me at ease for what I knew would be an emotional appointment.

Barbara was extremely generous with her time; she provided a safe space to let me speak, gently  and sensitively asking questions. She made me feel heard and that my feelings and anxieties were valid and understandable. Her words and insights into my experience helped me to understand what had happened and why, and she took the feedback I offered seriously. This was a very emotional experience and I was exhausted afterwards, but it was important for my mental wellbeing and to help me achieve my dream of adding to our family in future.

I can't express enough my gratitude to Barbara. Her care is completely patient-centred and such an important service to offer to mothers who have experienced difficult births or tragic circumstances.

 Thank you Barbara for your kindness and your words of support and validation will stay with me.