"I will never tire of praising this team and their dedication"

After my pregnancy self-referral, I was assigned to the Continuity of Midwifery Care team at The Mater Hospital in North Belfast. I didn't know it at the time, but this would be the biggest blessing in my journey to becoming a mum. 

We had been trying to conceive for a few years and we're struggling with our dream of becoming parents. Having suffered a miscarriage shortly before falling pregnant for a second time, I was extremely anxious and was suffering severe depression. I had been signed off from work and was attending counselling sessions to help process the loss. This was explained to my named midwife (Aimee) at my 12wk booking appointment and the care I received during and after this appointment was second to none.

The Continuity of Midwifery Care team, particularly Aimee, went far beyond the call of duty to give me as much reassurance, advice and support as I needed. I had fortnightly reassurance appointments with the Aimee, where my blood pressure was monitored and I listened to the baby's heartbeat. These appointments were scheduled at times that meant both my husband and I could attend, something that we were both extremely thankful for. I was able to discuss any and all worries I had without feeling judged and was given expert medical advice and appropriate information to help ease my anxiety.

The fact that I saw the same midwife throughout the pregnancy meant that I didn't need to revisit the miscarriage over and over again, something that would have been extremely traumatic for me. It also meant that my birth plan was established by a midwife who knew me and my struggles very well and who enabled me to make informed decisions that were best for me and my baby.

The midwifery team organised a coffee morning, inviting all of the ladies who were due to give birth in the coming weeks. At this coffee morning, I was able to meet the whole team and was reassured that one of these incredible ladies would likely be present at my labour. I was able to chat to the other mums-to-be and make connections that I had otherwise not had a chance to make. 

When the time came to deliver my baby, things did not go to plan and my waters broke 5 days before my planned section. I trusted the continuity team so much that I felt I could proceed with a vaginal delivery, knowing that I could hand over control to this wonderful team, something I do not feel I would have been able to do had I not been assigned continuity care.

Labour was long and full of challenges and just when I felt like I was losing all composure and hope of a safe delivery, Aimee arrived and once again gave me all of the reassurance I needed. Very shortly after my beautiful baby boy was born. 

The care after delivery was outstanding. Everyone talks about the tea and toast being the best part of post labour care but for me, watching these incredible women care for, dress and help feed my newborn baby when I was too weak to do it myself was something I will never forget. After returning home from hospital, the visits from the continuity team were so pleasant, supportive and again, reassuring. 

When my son was almost 6 months old, we were invited to a Christmas party that the continuity team were organising at the hospital. Seeing lots of other mums and families attend with their little bundles of joy, I realised that it wasn't just my personal experience that was outstanding and that this team create something absolutely invaluable with their care.

Looking back on my pregnancy, I feel as though I won the postcode lottery in being assigned continuity care. The fact that I can request this same continuity care in any future pregnancies immediately eradicates lots of anxiety and worry. 

I will never tire of praising this team and their dedication to the mothers who are lucky enough to be placed in their care. Myself and my husband both hold our own midwife, Aimee, in the highest regard and will be forever grateful that she was such a positive part of our journey to our own family. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Continuity of Midwifery Care team at The Mater Hospital, Belfast.