"Thank-you to staff during the birth of our baby"

Our baby girl was born at the  beginning of January at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. From start to finish, the experience was amazing.

When I met with Dr Thomson antenatally, he had thoroughly researched a pre-existing medical condition I had and the implications of it on pregnancy and labour. He took time to discuss all my options in various scenarios and listened to my concerns and wishes. He arranged for me to meet with a consultant anaesthetist, Dr Miller, who saw me at short notice and gave me much needed guidance on decisions regarding a delivery that would be safe for me and my baby. I had contact details should any issues arise prior to delivery, which would be by Caesarean section, and an appointment for pre-op assessment.

I had one visit to maternity assessment in the interim for reduced foetal movement, where the midwives (Julie and Gillian) were kind and attentive. I left feeling reassured that all was well.

Pre-op assessment was efficient and the staff were very friendly. I was given clear pre-op instructions both verbally and in a leaflet.

On our delivery day, we received a warm welcome from the labour ward staff first thing in the morning. Midwife Kat and Cori, the anaesthetic nurse, saw us promptly and went over a checklist with us. Dr Thomson and his registrar Dr Kamath popped in and explained that, due to staff illness, they were covering both the list of planned Caesarean sections for the day and also the emergency workload. They reassured us that they would do their best to prioritise safely and make sure everything got done. Dr McNamara, consultant anaesthetist saw us next. He was considerate in his plans to manage my post-op pain relief, offering to perform additional local anaesthetic blocks near my wound.

It was a busy day in the labour ward and we were kept updated with how things were going. The team were having to deal with several emergencies either side of planned Caesarean sections and worked tirelessly with very little break. Thank-you to all the staff who popped in to say hello and wish us well whilst we were waiting and afterwards.

At around 4pm I was taken round to theatre. Everyone was so lovely that there was no cause to feel any nerves or anxiety, secure in the knowledge that they would all take care of me and my baby. At 4.17pm our baby arrived.

Elaine in labour ward and Fiona on Ward 31B were the midwives who took care of us that evening. They checked on us regularly and encouraged me to ask for help and support with feeding if I needed it.

Both Dr Thomson and Dr Kamath came to see me later that evening despite being rushed off their feet. They explained that everything had gone well during the delivery. I felt very comfortable post-op, so Dr McNamara’s additional pain relief had done the trick!

The following morning I was keen to get home to my husband and family. Kenny, the midwife looking after me on the day shift, helped to expedite everything I would need for discharge. We were seen by paediatricians, physiotherapists and had a baby hearing check carried out. Dr Thomson was in contact with advice when my blood results came back, even though he had not long finished an intense 24 hour shift. By 2pm, we were good to go.

As first time parents, I felt we were reassured and everything was explained clearly. I am grateful to all members of the team for their kindness and care. Dr Thomson’s expertise and patience made me feel that my baby and I were in the safest hands and I can’t thank him enough.