"Giving birth to my son"

I am based in England but was having a tough pregnancy with a few issues so decided to visit my parents in Argyll for a fortnight’s break at the start of March (2020) at 32 weeks. Then Covid-19 happened and I got stuck - for want of a better word - in the area as things started to get serious and ultimately lockdown was imposed. It was a stressful time as I only had a small hold-all of clothes with me for me and my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Moreover, my husband was at our house, several hundred miles away. (Luckily he made it up just before lockdown). I never for a second thought I would have the baby away from home as I assumed the situation would calm down relatively quickly, allowing me to go back in time.  Of course it didn’t and the decision was taken out of my hands. 

Despite the unconventional situation, I could not have had a more positive experience, however, both in terms of the care I received from the midwives at Mid-Argyll Hospital in Lochgilphead (Both Karens, Brenda, Nicky, Donna) and at RAH in Paisley. I would also like to mention by name Claire, a midwife based at the Princess Royal who was drafted in to help out during a very busy night for the labour ward. She was the one who actually delivered my baby.

I was put at ease within minutes of my first encounter with the mid-Argyll team and incredibly well looked after throughout. I had my son at the beginning of May 2020, 11 days late in Paisley. I had a very traumatic experience with my daughter (down south) for various reasons. This time round, although labour was long and I required some repair work (to put it as nicely as possible) afterwards, was completely different. 

The after-care was similarly excellent. I would have been impressed in normal times, but to have experienced such kindness and professionalism amid the unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves was truly humbling. 

I can’t quite get my head around the fact that these pivotal life moments, such as giving birth, are populated by people you won’t necessarily come across ever again. Total strangers effectively, there in your hour of need.

With that in mind, I’d just like to say that, although our paths may have crossed only briefly, we will remember forever all you did for us and the lengths you went to to keep us safe. For that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.