"Bluebell Team Midwives"

I want to say a massive thank you to Diane and Siham for all their support throughout my pregnancy, labour and post pregnancy care. 

I joined the bluebell team halfway through my pregnancy and Diane explained clearly our area was piloting a different way the midwives would be working. Diane was my named midwife and I would be seeing her for any of my appointments and hopefully my labour if she was on shift or on call when I go in, if not it could be her buddy. 

Diane was a massive support throughout my pregnancy any questions or queries I had were not a an issue and I could send her a message and she would always reply. 

As it came to my labour, my waters went very early in the morning so I gave Dr Grays ward 3 a call, where I got asked if I could pop in for a check up, the lady I saw was reassuring and went through everything explaining when to come back in as I wasn't yet in active labour. When I went back into ward 3 later that day, I knew that Diane was on call that evening and felt more at ease knowing she would be my support throughout my labour. I had a few complications and before I knew it, I was having to be transferred through to Aberdeen. 

Diane and Siham (student midwife) came with me in the ambulance which yet again put myself at ease knowing I would have them with me for support. As we got to Aberdeen they were both amazing and could not fault them especially as they were working together without any extra support from the Aberdeen midwife team. Anything I asked for eg, copious amounts of water jugs, heat packs etc was never an issue. Diane and Siham guided me through my labour and made sure everything was ok before they headed back to elgin at the end of their shift. 

My care after that was OK, not the best, I had a few different members of staff pop in and out, I had asked to use the bathroom and possibly an hour and a half or so later I was finally able to go after mentioning it a lot. No one had spoke to me about feeding my newborn baby and as a first time mum I didn't know when she would need to be fed etc. I didn't feel there was a lot of support once Diane and Siham had left until I got moved onto the ward where the midwives there seemed nice and helpful. 

I cannot fault the new community midwife service that is being piloted, as a first time mum I loved the fact I felt I knew my midwife and had a connection with her instead of seeing several different midwifes who can only go by my medical notes. It definitely lowered my anxiety levels. 

Another big thank you to Diane and Siham from Dr Grays, you were both amazing and we could not fault you! Would love to have you for my next pregnancy.