"Story of my journey all throughout pregnancy"

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my midwife, Fiona, for looking after me since day 1 and the rest of the medical/nursing team of RCHT for providing quality healthcare and positive overall birth experience and I could not ask for more!

To be honest, the moment I knew I was pregnant I really got anxious, as this is my first time giving birth here in the UK. On my first pregnancy I developed pre-eclampsia and gave birth prematurely on 32 weeks via emergency C-section. I could say I had a very horrible and traumatic experience giving birth due to lack of support, care, communication and unfortunately racial discrimination, hence the thought that I might go through the same thing again scares me a lot.

Since I was considered a high risk due to pre-eclampsia, I was closely monitored all throughout my second pregnancy. I had a series of midwife and OB appointments and was even booked for extra scans. I decided to do a C-section and this time is not an emergency and on a full term-38 weeks and 5 days, praise God!

It was a very smooth and kind of chill experience which is way far different on my first! I was given the chance to make a birth plan where my husband could stay with me inside the theatre, cut our baby’s umbilical cord, take photos and play a background music. The team was very systematic, well organised and maintained an open communication as I was given enough information before, during and after surgery.

24 hr post delivery I was discharged from the hospital, though 3 days later I developed bilateral leg/feet swelling numbness and high blood pressure, hence I send myself in to triage to be checked and was then later given a proper treatment.

Even if I am a healthcare professional myself, I still have lots of queries regarding my health condition. I am pretty sure I already know the answer to it but I still made sure to raise all of my concern to the medical team. I feel valued, heard and reassured.

My husband and I were indeed very grateful and I pray that they will never cease providing top quality health care to people who are in need regardless of their age, gender and most of all, race.

Spread the love and peace. Kudos and God bless!