"A humbling, touching, amazing experience..."

Our baby girl was born at the J.R. Hospital on the 23rd of May. Words cannot express how grateful we are to the staff of the hospital, but we hope this short message will go a little towards capturing our profound regard for the excellent care we received.

Alas, while we had carefully researched ideas for the delivery of our baby, things did not go to plan for us. Our daughter was two weeks overdue, and as such, required an induction to hasten her arrival. We noted that, right from the start of this process, despite it being so very different to the "Spires" water-birth we had anticipated, the midwives did not simply dismiss our birth-plan as redundant, but sought to adhere to the "spirit" of it wherever possible.

At all times, we felt involved, more than involved actually; central, to every decision that was being taken with regard to the delivery process. Not only that, but we were given ample space to work through the pain of contractions ourselves using our own breathing techniques. The encouragement, compassion and respect we were treated with was deeply appreciated as were the excellent communication skills that were evidenced by so many of the staff.

Small things make a massive difference in extremis! We were deeply moved that the same midwife/student-midwife team we had on the "Spires" on night 1 (when we thought the water birth might still be a possibility) were with us on the Delivery Suite on night 2. Their familiar faces were a huge boost to morale. That being said, after 30 hours of labour we began to anticipate that each new staff member we met would be a model of efficacy and compassion; as they inevitably were!

Things did get quite scary for us when it was decided that a move to theatre was required. Our fears were unfounded. The obstetrician, anaesthetist, midwives and all the Theatre team were models of professionalism. No doubt the efforts of my courageous wife massively contributed toward helping us to narrowly avoid a C-section, but the theatre team's skill, knowledge and patience were of paramount importance in ensuring that, in the end, we were able to have a vaginal birth.

After what was a gruelling 40 hour labour the phenomenal care did not end. The teams on both the recovery ward and Level 5 went about their checks with an obvious respect for the importance of the bonding process; a subtle balancing act that was a pleasure to witness.

We can't thank or recommend the staff or the maternity services at the JR enough.

We feel very blessed to have been able to avail of their expertise, professionalism, compassion and willingness to treat us, and our experience, as unique.