Real life stories from Mount Carmel: Elaine Murray, C-section delivery

My experience in Mount Carmel Hospital was absolutely fantastic. I didnt have an easy pregnancy, I got gestational diabetes which was picked up very early by the antenatal team. I attended the endocrinologist and together with Anne the diabetic nurse, they ensured that it did not cause any complications. Daily emails and visits to the Dietician ensued. It was a fantastic service, I was helped every step of the way. Due to complications in my first pregnancy it was agreed in advance that I would have a c section. The big day arrived and I was admitted by a lady in reception who seemed just as excited as me! She was so lovely and really tried to put me at ease. She brought me up to the labour ward where I was met by an angel, Geraldine the midwife. She looked after me until it was time for surgery.

 

On arrival to theatre, again, everyone was so friendly and genuinely happy for us to be becoming parents again. Despite the fact that I’m a nurse, everything was explained in great detail to both my husband and I. Our baby son was born at 12.06. The staff ensured I got to see him and helped me hold him before he went up to the nursery for his checks. After he left, I had complications caused by the emergency section 4 years ago. I was reassured throughout. Being a nurse, I knew what was going on, but the whole surgical team really allayed my fears. In the end I had to be put to sleep and everything was brought under control. I woke up in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). I was looked after so well there. I was frightened and very anxious to see my baby. The nurses quickly contacted the nursery and I had my son in my arms within 5 mins! I got transferred to the 2nd floor the next day. The dietican came to advise me on an iron rich diet, then the physio came to show me how to get in and out of bed. Wound care nurses, paediatricians, doctors all came everyday. The care really was unbelievable. The baby was minded for me at night so I could get some rest, but the nurses in the nursery were always lovely when I would go up there on the hour!!! Pain relief was very readily available. I tried to breastfeed, a midwife called Anne sat with me for 2 hours helping me. When it was time to go home, the midwife gave me so much information all of which was very useful. She gave me numerous contact numbers in the unlikely event that I needed them.

 

Unfortunately the day after I was discharged, I had a bleed as can happen after a section. I went to my local hospital and they didnt want to treat me. They spoke directly to my consultant in Mount Carmel who arranged for me to be transferred up to him. I was very worried but the minute I got to Mount Carmel, both my husband and I completley relaxed knowing I was in the right place! I had to be put on antibiotics and stayed in Mount Carmel for another few days. The wound care nurse Anne Marie was amazing. I can't begin to tell you about the amazing staff who work there. Being in the profession, I’m embarrassed to say I've never seen or experienced care like it. I was very sick but they looked after me so well that I never felt as if I was sick! I genuinely think if I had had my son in any other hospital, I would not be here to tell the tale. The quick thinking of the doctors and nurses and the post natal care I received saved my life. I cannot recommend Mount Carmel highly enough. There are not enough words to express how relived I am that I chose to have my baby there. Harry is now 6 months old and thriving and I am fighting fit thanks to all the staff.

 

Elaine Murray