"Giving birth to my first child"

I was a patient on Ward 16 when I had by baby by c-section in November last year. I was extremely nervous having never had surgery (or a baby for that matter!) and there was one midwife in particular who really made the entire experience so comforting from start to finish. 

I had attended the ward the week prior due to pains and at this stage met Rachel Hewitt, the midwife. On chatting with her she realised she would be in the day of my surgery. She spoke me through what would be happening, when I would find out details and made sure I was happy with everything before I left. Already I felt a bit more at ease about the following week. 

On returning to the ward after my surgery Rachel came to see me and it was so nice to see a familiar face. She immediately made me aware she remembered me and asked me how things had been. She was so kind, patient and attentive and I really couldn’t have asked for more. 

Having a baby is not glamorous and I was definitely apprehensive about being in such a vulnerable position but Rachel made me feel so comfortable and at ease. I struggled a bit with feeding my baby and she made sure I was confident and happy before leaving the hospital without putting any pressure on me whatsoever. She really is a credit to nursing and I wouldn’t have had half the experience I did with having my first child if it wasn’t for her.