"Surgery post-partum with excellent care"

I attended maternity triage on a Sunday with a severe headache in December 2021 when I was 40+2 with my second son. Straight away the staff noticed it was more than a headache and promptly responded, investigating for possible meningitis. Within 6 hours of attending triage, I was in theatre getting a lumbar puncture and then delivering my boy via emergency c-section. I then remained within the labour ward until discharge on the Thursday evening with me and my baby being supported and cared for throughout.

I cannot thank my midwife Kirsty enough for wiping my tears and comforting me as navigated the shock diagnosis of meningitis, having to have an emergency c-section and missing my first born as we had never been separated for longer than a few hours until then.

I then attended triage 3 weeks post-partum with severe abdominal pain which later turned out to be acute pancreatitis and gallstones. Again, triage staff responded promptly and admitted me into a surgical bed where I then underwent gallbladder removal a few days later. Triage staff were so understanding of my breastfeeding journey, sourcing me a breast pump and ensuring the medication I was being given was breastfeeding friendly. They also ensured I got a side room when I was admitted so I could keep baby with me to protect our breastfeeding. All of the staff I encountered made such difficult times a whole lot easier for me and my family and for that I cannot thank them enough.