"Antenatal care, giving birth and postnatal care"

I gave birth in Antrim Area Hospital on Christmas Day after a very positive antenatal experience as a patient under the care of the Lotus Midwifery Team in Causeway Hospital. I was assigned a Lotus midwife who met me for all of my antenatal appointments from my 12 week scan onwards and was present on the day my daughter was born. I thoroughly appreciated the benefits of being seen by the same person throughout my pregnancy as she knew me so well by the time I was full term and was able to give me tailored advice for my birth plan, any decisions I had to make or answer any questions I had. She was always only a text away if I was concerned about anything and this was so reassuring being a first time mum. On the day of my daughter's birth, it was like having a friend in the delivery suite and she knew exactly what I needed in order to get through labour. She was a great comfort to both me and my husband and we trusted her judgement on the day. I compare my antenatal and birth experience with friends' who had different midwives taking care of them throughout the 40 weeks and the benefits of being looked after by the Lotus team are clear.