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"My ABC experience"

About: Royal Jubilee Maternity services / Active Birth Centre (ABC)

(as the patient),

To Christina and the incredible team at the ABC Ward,

I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude for the outstanding care and support I received during the birth of my first baby. From the moment we arrived until the time we left, every member of your team demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and dedication that made our experience truly special and unforgettable.

Having a pool birth was something I had hoped for, and I feel so fortunate to was granted that opportunity to labour in the water. The calming environment, the thoughtful preparation, along with the reassuring presence of your team created the most empowering experience I could have imagined. It was a birth experience that I will always treasure, and I’m so thankful for how attentively and respectfully you supported my wishes throughout the process.

A special thank you to Christina, whose calm confidence and kindness stood out from the moment we met her during our tour of the ward. You were an incredible source of knowledge regarding my eligibility to attend the ward, keeping us informed and comforted, which made a world of difference.

I also want to acknowledge and thank the wider team who we dealt with daily. The staff treated my partner with the highest of respect, keeping him as involved in the process as myself & allowing my partner to remain by my side despite the challenges that came with the minor complications at the end of birth. The relief of allowing him to stay with me, & his presence during those moments are vital for all of us, and it meant everything to be able to go through the experience together without being separated. The understanding and flexibility shown by the team in accommodating this made a difficult moment feel safe and manageable.

The level of care we received extended far beyond clinical treatment—it was deeply human, warm, and empowering. We felt heard, respected, and truly cared for, and I know this positive start to our journey as a new family has been shaped so much by the incredible environment created on your ward.

Thank you for everything you do, every day, for the families who walk through your doors. We will always look back on our time with you with immense gratitude. Personally, I left the day after my baby was born, with a huge smile, fond memories & hugs from the most supportive women.. found at the ABC ward.

With love and so much appreciation.

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Responses

Response from Christina Mitchell, Midwifery Sister, RJMS - Active Birth Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust last month
Christina Mitchell
Midwifery Sister, RJMS - Active Birth Centre,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 18/05/2025 at 19:51
Published on Care Opinion on 19/05/2025 at 08:29


picture of Christina Mitchell

Dear Roisín0489,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I have shared it with the team and we are all delighted that you had such a positive experience in the ABC.

Research shows time and time again just how impactful a positive birth experience can be, not only for the mother but for her newborn and family too. Key themes in facilitating this include informed choice and support, a sense of empowerment and active participation along with trust and respect to name but a few. I am thrilled to read your heartfelt words that encapsulate so many of these themes, as we strive as a team everyday to provide personalised care, promoting a culture within the unit where you feel safe, heard and respected.

I am so glad that your partner also felt fully informed throughout the birth and during the early post natal period and that we were able to accommodate him staying overnight within the ABC following the birth, as we know this is such a special time of bonding for a new family. Many women have provided positive feedback in relation to this and are grateful their partner was able to remain by their side in the hours following the birth as a great source of additional support and comfort.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide your feedback and we hope should you require maternity services again that you would choose to birth within the ABC. It was our absolute pleasure to meet you and your partner and to be a part of such a significant life event - the birth of your baby.

Warmest Regards,

Christina

Midwifery Sister

Active Birth Centre (ABC)

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