"Excellent post natal care"

I recently gave birth in Lagan Valley Hospital. I just wanted to highlight the exceptional care we received there both antenatally and postnatally everyone has been amazing. However it was during labour that we had two wonderful midwives Joanne and Sharon who helped bring our beautiful baby boy into the world. Shortly after his birth there were some concerns from my husband and myself along with the midwives that our baby had Down’s syndrome. This was later confirmed a few days later. However how this was handled in Lagan Valley was done so with the utmost respect and empathy during a very anxious, shocking and uncertain time for us. The Sister Claire squeezes my hand and gave me a hug. No words were needed but I’ll never forget that act of kindness that told me everything would be ok. 

We had to be transferred to the Ulster neonatal unit. This was something I always wanted to avoid and knew this was a possibly when giving birth in Lagan Valley. However the staff at the Ulster maternity unit and neonatal unit again went above and beyond in terms of their support and guidance. We were there five days and again I was so impressed with the standard of care we received from everyone. From the nurse who sat with my husband which he cried to the midwife who sat and listened to my fears and anxiety in the small hours of the morning as well as all the Breastfeeding support and guidance. 

We left the Ulster with a much more positive outlook for the future. People don’t always take the time to celebrate the positive experiences they have - much more likely to jump in and complain. I just wanted to say thank you to the entire team of paediatricians; midwives, neonatal nurses and health care workers who went above and beyond their job roles during our stay. 

We have been home two weeks nearly and are just loving the new addition to our family and enjoying every second. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

Our son’s mum and dad xox