"Early and quick labour"

Better late than never(!) but I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that cared for me during and after the birth of our son who is now 6 months old (think I’ve just got over the shock of it all!).

I was out for a meal with my husband on our first wedding anniversary when my waters broke (nearly a month early). We got to triage and the contractions came thick and fast. I was 6cm dilated and got whizzed through to the labour ward. 4 hours later, our son was born, thankfully, healthy.

It was the most terrifying and intense experience of my life but my midwives, Mikaela and Lorraine were fantastic. I can’t thank them enough for safely delivering my baby and for trying their best to keep me focused. I have a lot of respect for them and what they do.

I was transferred to Summerfield ward where we stayed for 4 nights. The care there was amazing. I was so so sleep deprived and the hormones hit me hard. Every member of staff was fantastic. Nothing was too much bother and they would sit with me as I had a cry at night or would take my baby for a few hours so I could try to sleep. 

Breastfeeding was so much more difficult than I ever expected, especially with a sleepy, premature baby. Everyone was brilliant, helping me to get him to latch, helping me express and just get my head around what I had to do. I’ll never forget the HCSW that just launched him onto my boob when he finally opened his mouth and it all just fell into place for me. 6 months on, it’s just second nature now and I’m so glad these ladies helped me like they did. Shona in particular saved me when I was really struggling and helped me learn how to use a pump. All these things I thought I had time to learn about before my baby came!  She was so so patient and I can’t thank her enough. 

As a nurse, I know how busy they were and didn’t like buzzing but they were always happy to help and just be there which is something I’ll never forget. I was so tired that I can’t remember everyone’s names to thank them personally but please keep doing what you’re doing, you’re all amazing.