"Labour and delivery"

Our journey started in early pregnancy clinic in Daisy Hill where we were seen by Caroline. After a loss of our first pregnancy, Caroline took extra care in our early scans to ensure that everything was progressing correctly. She even made a point of booking us in for extra ultrasounds for reassurance as our first loss was a missed miscarriage at 6 weeks but we didn't find out until our 12 week scan. Having that reassurance early on made a huge difference to us and massively reduced our anxiety around the pregnancy. Caroline - thank you so much.

I developed gestational diabetes during the pregnancy so my care was transferred to Craigavon. I met various staff during my prenatal appointments and they were all extremely kind and helpful. 

I was then taken to Craigavon for induction at 38+6 and given the Foley catheter. Mary saw me initially and then Roisin took over my care that evening. They were so considerate and helped me with pain and all the emotions I was feeling, especially when I was alone. 

After 24 hours, I was taken to the delivery suite to continue the labour with the oxytocin drip. After 19 hours, our baby was delivered via emergency section due to failure to progress the labour. The midwifery team throughout the labour were all so kind - Rhoda, Danielle, Hannah, Maeve and Laura. I'm sure there were others that I've also forgotten. 

When we had to go for an emergency section, the anesthetist (Michael) was incredible - so gentle and caring and explained everything so we understood the process completely. The anesthetic nurse (who's name I've forgotten - I'm sorry) was amazing. She literally held my hand as I cried from fear throughout the process and made me feel at ease. In theatre, Tim, the other anesthetist made jokes and did his best to help me relax. 

Claire was the doctor who performed the surgery and she was quick and helped our beautiful boy to arrive safely and I'll be forever indebted to her.

When we got to the maternity ward, the entire team were incredible. My baby was unwell and had trouble with his breathing so Jonny and Stephen, the two paediatricians, took him to NICU for extra care. Meanwhile, the midwives made the decision to move me from the main ward to a side room because I was without my baby. This was such a kind and unexpected gesture as the ward was extremely busy but it allowed me to begin my recovery before getting my son back.

I stayed in hospital for a week and every member of staff (doctors, nursing and midwifery team and support staff) cared for me to the highest possible level. There are so many people to name but some stand out members were Caitlin, Rachel, Cathy, Rebecca, Patricia, Maire and Isobel. I cannot thank you all enough. 

While my son was in NICU, he was incredibly well attended and while it was traumatic to have him taken away, I knew he was in the best hands. He was treated as if he was one of their own and they took incredible care of me and helped me on my breastfeeding journey, supplying support and privacy when I wanted to feed him. Again, there are too many to name and names I've possibly forgotten, but some stand out people were Genevieve, Kirsty, Meghan, Katie, Danielle and June. They made me feel like part of their little family and we joked and chatted and they held me up emotionally in a really difficult situation. 

Since being home, the community midwife team, namely Emma and Eileen, have visited and have been extremely helpful to myself and my partner and have reassured us on several occasions. They have cared for both myself and my baby, even referring me to the assessment unit when they had concerns about my scar. 

The health visitor, Catherine, was also extremely helpful. She was able to find out information about certain facilities for the baby in my area and provide me with advice on feeding and doctor appointments and everything we needed to do for our baby.

The staff throughout the entire process were amazing. Kind, helpful, considerate and well-informed, I always felt very well cared for, despite them being so busy. I cannot fault the care I have received under the SHSCT, in Daisy Hill, Craigavon and the community. I hope everyone who uses any of these services is as lucky as I have been. Thank you all so much. You're amazing people.