"Pregnancy and birth at Altnagelvin Hospital Derry"

My husband and I wish to thank the superb midwives who delivered our baby as well as the staff in Ward 45 for their amazing support before and after the birth of our daughter.

We arrived at fetal assessment and were assessed quickly by Deirdre who confirmed I was 3cm along. She was very kind and gentle and reassuring. I was moved to the labour ward quite quickly afterwards.

Joanne and Ana were amazing at talking me through my pain relief options alongside Áine the staff sister. I was given gas and air while waiting for the remifentanil to be administered by the lovely anaesthetist, who had a great sense of humour and made me feel really at ease. Clara took over while the other midwives had their well-deserved lunch break and made me feel so calm and in control. I found my personal preference for pain relief options noted in my birth plan and preferences for dim lighting, quieter voices, helping with breathing etc were all taken on board throughout. This was honestly such a positive experience. I was given space to labour in my own way but also felt monitored and very safe. It was the perfect balance.

When it came to the birth of our daughter the midwives Joanne, Niamh and Ana couldn’t have been better. They made me feel in control and capable. Ana, you’re a breath of fresh air as a student. Initiative, interest and genuine joy of the role. We wish you all the best and are glad we were your first experience of a vaginal birth. Thanks to all the midwives’ encouragement I delivered my daughter exactly how I wanted to, with a vaginal birth eased with pain relief. The midwives were exceptional at helping me push properly to help baby out and to direct my breathing. I was stitched due to a second degree tear as the shift changed over to the 2 Laura’s. They were amazing at talking me through the stitching process and helping me get ready to go to recovery in Ward 45. Kindness, empathy and advocacy for women was shown by all midwives present. It was such an empowering experience. I’d also like to commend Joanne and Laura for their explanations and teaching during all of the above for other staff. It’s an amazing talent to do your job with confidence and kindness alongside educating others. Your attitudes were amazing. You are honestly all amazing at your jobs and have a true vocation. Joanne, it was so special to have our birthing experience with you and we’ll never forget your standard of care.

In recovery on Ward 45 we were greeted by Tara who was so lovely and warm. We were congratulated by everyone we met and treated so well. Best toast ever. Melissa and Audrey were fantastic and knowledgeable. Thank you for easing me into motherhood and showing your experience. The ladies who completed baby’s hearing and other newborn checks were mannerly, empathetic and helpful. We were visited by the physio also who had great tips. The catering staff namely Sophie, the lady who changed our bins and cleaned, the lady who made the morning toast etc all helpful, kind and friendly. Thank you for adding that extra bit of comfort.

I also just want to add that I was seen multiple times from 24 weeks on in pregnancy due to ongoing bleeding. This was quite triggering after two losses. I have to say the many staff in fetal assessment were amazing when monitoring and reassuring me during these visits. Most notably Megan Kyle, a lovely Australian midwife that I can’t recall her name so sorry, Doctor Calvin and Doctor Rana. My apologies if any of the spelling of names are off. Doctor Rana, you are such a lady, and seeing you after performing my D&C in January with such compassion right through to the end of this pregnancy was so comforting to me. Thank you.

I would also like to commend the staff of the early pregnancy unit for their compassionate treatment to us in both December and March. You are stars and the rollercoaster of your job must be very difficult, you carry it exceptionally well. We encountered many wonderful nurses and doctors during multiple HCG blood tests for losses and during our D&C in December and January. We did not have the best start to this pregnancy due to bleeding, a negative experience with one unnamed doctor in Ward 43 and a delay in receiving progesterone. I would love to discuss this further so that women do not have to quote the NICE guidelines to qualified professionals in order to receive the medication they should. Medication that could prevent some women having a third loss and also save the NHS budget in terms of investigating recurrent loss. I have highlighted this experience in March to Dr Durkan who I know is trying to work alongside pregnancy services to implement change. Progesterone made a huge difference to my pregnancy and I believe I met my daughter this week due to it. It breaks my heart to think of any woman losing babies due to an unnecessary delay in medication.

I have to say that our experience the last few months and especially days has been absolutely outstanding. As a teacher, I understand the pressure of working in a job with a limited budget, the challenges of working with the public and the joys. The staff in this pregnancy made it seem easy and this just shows they’re made for these roles and definitely in the right careers. I just want to share my positive pregnancy and birth story both to acknowledge the absolutely impeccable staff that we have had the pleasure of helping us bring our daughter into the world and to encourage other women reading this. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.