"Labour and birth"

We can’t thank everyone enough in our journey to have our baby. 

I went in late at night to triage- with RFM and it was quickly picked up that I was showing signs of pre-eclampsia. I was then treated, in a timely manner, considering how busy triage was and then moved to summerfield ward to be monitored, where I met some amazing staff- from midwives, to HCSW and domestics, everyone was lovely and welcoming. 

After a day of observations, and a quick sweep later, I was allowed to go home with an induction booked for the next day. 

Then early morning, I went into spontaneous labour naturally and held off at home, until 5am when I again returned to the triage unit. 

Again, met by amazing members of staff, who quickly managed to get me pain relief and anti sickness, all while organising a bed on the labour ward. 

Once the bed was organised, our lovely midwife Orla, showed us through and I began our labour process. 

I had asked for an epidural early on, something that was promptly discussed due to my observation not being 100% and my body not coping well with pain. 

With cardiology and anaesthetic teams all discussing the best options- I was allowed to go ahead with the epidural- something I am very grateful for. 

After 14 hours and the best team around me including Emily- who I can’t thank enough for coaching me, I managed to have our baby. 

After some stitches and waiting to regain the feeling in my legs again, I was able to shower- again with the best help,  and head back up to Summerfield ward. 

The ward again was so welcoming and many friendly faces, that nothing was too much of a bother for, from helping baby latch at 4 in the morning to getting pain relief promptly. After staying in for 24 hours, as baby needed monitoring for GBS, we were able to get home. 

I wish I was able to remember everyone’s names, but hopefully reading this they know who they are, from senior consultants and midwives and everyone in between, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital have the best team. 

The NHS is a credit to have and without it, I’d hate to think what my outcome could have been if this service wasn’t available.