"My experience of a planned c-section with type 1 diabetes"

Shortly after finding out i was pregnant with our second child i was referred straight into the diabetes ante-natal team who monitored and cared for me & my baby tirelessly throughout my whole pregnancy. I have nothing but praise for each member of the team for working with me to help me have the best possible outcome of what can be a very complicated pregnancy. Luckily i remained fairly well until the last month or so. At this time we discovered that baby was growing rapidly and it a delivery date was decided for the following week. As baby would be arriving early, i needed to have steroids to help her lungs mature. I was admitted to Hawthorn ward for 2 nights to have the course of steroids, whilst an inpatient, my blood sugars had to be tested every 2 hours day & night to make sure they stayed stable, the midwives were fantastic at making it relatively quick so i managed to get some rest in between.

Fast forward to the night before delivery, I was feeling very uncomfortable, a little nervous and extremely tired (although i couldn't sleep a wink). I had a lovely midwife that night, probably one of the kindest people i have met. Heather was calm, reassuring and empathetic whilst providing me & baby with excellent care.

The next day i was first on the list for my c-section, the theatre staff were amazing, keeping me calm, telling me everything that was happening and bringing my baby girl into the world safely. The consultant, midwives, ODP, anaesthetist and students present could not have been any more helpful and professional.

Back onto Hawthorn ward post delivery, the midwives were just as fabulous as before even with me & baby to look after. Heather helped me with a lazy baby who was reluctant to feed, Megan taught us some SCBU feeding techniques to get baby taking enough milk, Celina - took baby for some cuddles during the night so i could get a few hours of much needed sleep.All the staff on Hawthorn are brilliant, cleaners, HCA's, Midwives and doctors.... all amazing!

10 weeks on, we are both healthy & happy. We owe it all to you, so massive thanks from Baby & me!!