"Pregnancy, post birth & access"

I had plenty of issues during my pregnancy which wasn’t really taken seriously. I was admitted into maternity hospital for one night after going to A&E with breathing issues and pain at 6 months but no one knew why. Deep down I knew I was showing signs of pre eclampsia but I didn’t have high blood pressure so they didn’t worry despite my abnormal blood tests results many times.

Then at 30 weeks my baby stopped growing so I had regular check ups but her size and weight was the same at 32 weeks and I kept complaining of reduced movements constantly. I saw a lot of different doctors who couldn’t decide what to do cos they all had different opinions! I was angry and stressed so I finally was admitted at 32+1 weeks. The next day they finally confirmed I had pre eclampsia and I got worse over the weekend. My baby was born via emergency c-section at 32+6 weeks. 

My baby was transferred to 2 other hospitals. She was in 3 hospitals but in the end I feel it was unnecessary! As a deaf mum, access was terrible but it wasn’t the main issue. The attitude of all staff were horrible. I missed out on essential information which I learnt later on. 

I learnt my baby had a heart condition 3 weeks after she was born and ready to be discharged from NICU! A year later she hasn’t seen any heart doctor. My baby had tests without my knowledge.

Gaining access to NICU daily was awful cos of the intercom. I had sign language but not always. It didn’t mean the staff could get away without telling me anything I needed to know about my pregnancy or my baby’s NICU stay.

My daughter was transferred to one of the hospital without me, even though they told me I would be with her. I finally was reunited with her 24 hours after complaining a lot and I was heartbroken seeing her with more wires. She was taken to theatre, whilst I was stuck in a different hospital, but it turned out she didn’t need any operations. 

Due to her prematurity she ended up in hospital few times throughout the year after being discharged but did I get right information? No. I finally find she always has abnormal test results a year later.

I feel that the NHS failed my daughter and I. Improved access and attitude is needed. Do better.