"Antenatal care and delivery of my second baby"

I transferred my antenatal care to AAH when I was 34 weeks pregnant. I was initially anxious but it was honestly the best decision I have ever made. I was placed under the care of Dr McMorran who was compassionate, caring and just overall amazing! I received thorough care and felt safe and my feelings were validated. I met with consultant midwife Shona who was equally fantastic and we discussed my birth plan and options.

Ultimately we decided baby would be born via elective caesarean section. I met midwife Mary earlier this month and despite some of my paperwork not being available she didn’t let this phase her and she completed my pre operative assessment in a caring and thorough manner (with some craic along the way which really helped my nerves).

The room was dimly lit with projector lights and artificial tea lights which really helped to calm me down. I attended delivery suite the following day and was met by my allocated midwife Barbara who was amazing from start to finish. She had a copy of paperwork related to my previous traumatic delivery and had evidently read my history; this was such a relief as it meant I didn’t need to discuss anything I wasn’t comfortable with. I met with various doctors that morning and was kept up to date of what was happening. Sister Mary was also fantastic; she spoke to us on several occasions and kept us up to date of what was happening. She was very kind also.

When it was my turn to go to theatre the nerves tried to get the better of me but Barbara and the anaesthetist Dr Gillen reassured me and really calmed me down. I was able to listen to my music and have some craic which really helped. Dr Turner and Dr Gillen were amazing throughout the procedure, as was NA McCartney and SN Gamble. They kept my husband and I updated of what was happening and helped keep the atmosphere calm. The doctors who performed my procedure were equally fantastic. When I was moved to recovery the care was again fantastic, I received 1:1 from Barbara and had the opportunity for 2+ hours of skin to skin with my baby (I missed out on this at previous delivery as I was very unwell). This was amazing and such a special experience.

Prior to transferring to C2 I was bathed by the staff and brushed my teeth (whilst this might seem minor to some it is something that I am so grateful for, I felt cared for and safe at an incredibly vul*nerable time). Barbara was an absolute angel and deserves all the recognition; she is such a big part of the happy memories from my sons birth. She also offered to take lots of photos for us which my husband and I will cherish forever.

When I transferred to C2 the care was equally amazing. Unfortunately I only remember the names of two midwives; Ciara and Lesley but all staff were fantastic; from the domestic assistants, midwifery support workers right up to the doctors. Infection control were on the ward and had a fantastic rapport with the team. My care in C2 was fantastic and if I buzzed for help the staff came to my bedside as soon as they could and were very helpful.

I have also received amazing antenatal and postnatal care from my community midwives Laura Young and Dana who are progressional, knowledgeable and extremely caring.

Thank you so so much to everyone involved in my care as this has played a significant part in making the birth of my second baby such a positive experience!