"A positive pregnancy experience - thanks to Team Emerald"

I had the most amazing first time pregnancy experience and a very positive birth. I put this down to being part of the Continuity of midwifery care team. From the moment I met Sarah & Vicky at my 12 week scan I knew I was in safe hands. Sarah was amazing throughout my whole antenatal care and she was only ever a text away if I had any wee issues or something I was unsure about. I built a great relationship with Sarah and she was very supportive and helpful throughout, this included making a birth plan with myself and advising me different wee things to do to help me in the last few weeks of pregnancy along with help during labour. It was great that all my appointments worked round us both and we even had some at the weekend which meant my husband was able to attend when he was off work. The reflexology that I had with Vicky at 38 weeks was very relaxing and great how it was part of my care - a lot of friends and family couldn’t believe it. I continued getting reflexology done and I feel this helped with my labour.

Sarah was off on annual leave when I went into labour myself at 39 weeks but the rest of the girls looked after me and were in contact with myself to keep me relaxed and calm along with advising me the right things to do while in early labour.

When I arrived at the assessment unit I knew Gillian was on call and even though I hadn’t met Gillian yet I knew I was going to be in great hands with care as she had delivered my friends baby 7 weeks before who had a positive birth experience with Gillian.

Gillian - what can I say the most amazing, supportive and friendly lady you could ever meet. She was just the best from the very beginning. Always kept myself and husband informed throughout my whole labour process along with encouraging me along the way. The room was so relaxed with lovely oil smells and the top 40 charts playing with a couple of old school bangers which we can’t forget. Even though we had to take a little trip from MLU down to delivery suit, she stayed with me the whole time and I feel this made myself remain calm. Gillian and my husband were the best birthing partners and I feel like us three were just a great team, working together to bring our beautiful baby girl into the world.

After i gave birth I was brought back to my room in MLU and I got the most amazing care from the midwives that were on shift including the students too. Everyone was just so supportive and very helpful. All midwifes are just outstanding women and I feel they don’t get enough credit. They deserve everything and more.

Post natal care at home from all the girls on the team was exceptional they are all so caring and helpful. Being a first time mum some things I was unsure about and they always had the answers and information to provide me with.

Sarah returned from her leave and spoke to me on day 7 on the phone and said she would be out to see us on day 10. However she was called into labour wards so Gillan visited me on day 10. Unfortunately on day 10 my daddy took a stroke suddenly and it was such a big shock for us all but once I informed Gillian what had happened she comforted and reassured me that herself and all the girls were only a text away if I needed anything and even though I was being discharged they were all still there for me. Sarah even came to see myself, my husband and meet our baby girl on day 11 just for a wee chat and catch up.

Team Emerald are just the best, I have told all family and friends about the amazing team. Everyone always tells you all the negative stories about pregnancy and birth nothing ever positive. I feel being part of this team is why I had such an amazing and positive experience. I definitely will be requesting to be part of this team for future pregnancies.

Not all super hero’s wear capes and thanks for everything girls ❤️