"Experience of the neonatal unit"

After my 31 week scan with my consultant it transpired that my baby was measuring small so I was given steroid injections for two days and two weekly Doppler checks. Within a few days of my scan my blood pressure was raised and I was hospitalised with pre eclampsia. After three days in the SWAH it was decided that I would be transferred to Craigavon as it looked like the birth would be imminent for the safety of myself and my baby. I was highly anxious but content that I was being moved to a hospital where they had a fully functioning Neonatal Unit before delivery. 

After a night of close monitoring in Craigavon and intravenous magnesium and blood transfusion, my Baby was born at 11.59am on in April, weighing 2lb 13oz. The staff involved in my c section were collectively very caring and supportive and talked me through everything the night leading up to my section and through the procedure. Thankfully my little bundle landed and was crying which was the first big positive which lifted our hearts.

My baby was quickly taken to Neonatal Special Care where she was intensively monitored for 10 days before being moved to neonatal wards.

My positive experience of this department at Craigavon is one I feel I needed to share with others. Every member of staff - regardless of job title, made myself and my partner feel relaxed, supported and reassured that our Baby was progressing and being cared for by a staff whose work is undoubtedly a vocation. This was evident the whole time we spent there. Their dedication to their work and patients was phenomenal. Nothing was a problem and they not only helped nurture our tiny baby to a stage where we were allowed to take her home but they invested so much time to us parents, helping us cope with this terrifying ordeal which was so unexpected. They also provided lots of practical guidance to prepare us for home. 

I had two weeks in hospital (we’re the staff at 2 West Maternity ward provided me with great care) and travelled daily the next three weeks to see my baby. I would never have envisaged us finding ourselves being faced with prematurity with as a result of the baby’s poor growth and me having pre eclampsia. Leaving my baby isn’t something I thought I could do but having a three year old toddler at home without me for almost three weeks meant it was a necessity to travel. Having witnessed the way my baby was being cared for during my time as a patient who was visiting Neonatal 24/7, I knew she was in safe hands.

I could name any number of special individuals who cared for my baby but I’d be afraid to leave someone out. One staff member I have to mention is Nurse Margaret who greeted us on April 13th, attended our own and our baby's needs during her stay and helped prepare us practically and mentally for our departure on Thursday 19th May. She retires in the autumn and she will be sorely missed. I can only count my blessings that she was one of our crutches that got us through a very tough time alongside the many dedicated staff she works alongside. I found myself in tears leaving with My baby because the Neonatal Unit and staff became like a home to us where we felt safe but we knew we were well equipped to take her home and take on board all we witnessed and the advice given to help my baby continue to thrive. 

We will in the near future fund raise for this department in Craigavon as a token of thanks. 

Our Baby is now 9 weeks old and weighs a healthy 5lb 15oz. A big thanks goes out to o the staff at Craigavon for a safe delivery and great care for myself and my baby. 💕