"Compassion and support from the Sapphire Team"

I had my booking appointment towards the end of July which went well. Baby had been moving around and his little heart flickering away.

I got to meet the Sapphire team and to my surprise everything had changed since the last time I was pregnant. I was being looked after by the most loveliest midwife called Elaine. I was able to text her if I needed her and make sure that every appointment was organised and on the app which I just think is fantastic, it is such a better way to work.

I then had an appointment booked with my consultant towards the end of August to talk through a plan for my pregnancy as I have history of bad bleeding and also had two previous miscarriages one being a missed miscarriage at 14 weeks. The appointment was thorough. The doctor (unfortunately I do forget her name as it became a bit of a blur for me) went through my previous history and made sure she had all the information so she could best advise. Then came to the ultrasound where she was hoping to listen into the baby’s heart beat.

As she was scanning, unfortunately we all knew straight away that baby had passed away. She didn’t even have to say anything at that point as I seen myself. The doctor had to get a colleague to come in to confirm the sad news baby had passed. I was 17 weeks 3 days.

Everyone was in complete shock, the doctor included. She had been fantastic and I could see how upset she was even having to tell us any bad news, which shows how she cares for her job and the people she is taking care of. Elaine our midwife was there as well as Dr Kumar to try explain a few things to me. I could just see and hear the compassion as he was speaking.

We were advised to let ourselves process everything and we were booked to come in on the Saturday to have a chat about our next steps. We arrived Saturday for a chat with Dr Kumar and Elaine so they could explain what happens next and they had put a plan in place to make sure I would be taken care of, and I must say it made everything a lot easier for me mentally to know the plan was in place, as they took my previous history into consideration.

We arrived on Tuesday to get things started and later on in the day Elaine had come down to check in on us and ensured I had everything I needed. The support even after when we had got home, down to a home visit from Elaine and following up to check how we were doing. Bringing us beautiful wee keepsakes which was very comforting to us and our children as there was even something there for them to find comfort in.

We even had a text to say Dr Kumar was asking how I was doing. I couldn’t have felt more supported during this process and reassured that a plan would be put in place if we try again. I felt so comforted in knowing that I wasn’t coming away not knowing anything. I was kept in the loop from the start of my pregnancy right up to this day.

I can’t thank this team enough for everything they have done to help me through this really sad time. It is not an easy job to do, so thank you all so much for your support, it means the world to us.