"Understanding, knowledgeable and shows so much compassion"

I would like to pass on my thanks to Lisa, specialist midwife from the MNPI team at the QEUH, who really went above and beyond. No question or request I had was ever too trivial and she would always try her very best to get me an answer. She is a credit to your team and I hope she knows how great an impact that she has on her patients' journeys.

From the first appointment I felt listened to and respected. It was such a relief to finally have answers to questions about my previous birth and to hear another healthcare professional validate my feelings and confirm it was ok to feel the way I did about what had happened. She really took the time to understand what the causes of my anxiety were and helped to put steps in place to help me cope better with the experience of my second pregnancy.

This pregnancy was high risk and I needed additional growth scans and consultant appointments throughout. Lisa always checked in with me after these appointments to see how I was feeling and address any concerns and she would even attend the clinic with me where possible. She understood that I cope best when I can see all of the information and process the data then draw my own conclusions about what was being advised eg growth charts, blood results etc. She would encourage me to ask questions and I finally felt confident enough to do this with her coaching.

My second pregnancy ended in an unplanned section again but the difference was night and day. Having already visited the labour ward and recovery bay with Lisa, I felt in control of the situation. I was able to ask questions and vocalise my concerns. 

After the birth my son developed jaundice and we needed an extended stay in hospital. This was difficult for me as one of my causes of anxiety was that I had to stay alone with my first son for 7 days after his birth due to covid restrictions. Lisa came to visit me on the ward to check in with how I was feeling as she knew this was particularly hard for me. 

12 weeks after my son's birth I was discharged from the service and I had a final face to face meeting with Lisa back at the hospital. It felt like I had came full circle and the fact that I could even return to the hospital to meet with her again is testament to the care and guidance I received from her throughout this journey. Lisa is understanding, knowledgeable and shows so much compassion for the ladies under her care. I know if I hadn’t met Lisa I would never have been able to cope as well during my second pregnancy and I am so grateful that I got to finally experience a positive birth.