Real life stories from Mount Carmel: Sarah Anderson, first time mum

I myself was a Mount Carmel baby. Dr. Karl Mullen delivered me into the world at 20.20 on Sunday October 12th, 1986. Exactly 25 years later to the day, I found out that I was going to be a mum. The choice of hospital was obvious for me. From the moment we met with Bairbre for our booking appointment, I knew we were in for a journey filled with really positive and happy memories. 

 

We had our first scan at 10 weeks which helped to ease our minds from the very beginning.

At about 20 weeks, I was at home one evening and began getting very bad pains. Panic set in and we rang the labour ward. After they had reassured me over the phone, they said to come straight in. When I got to the hospital, the midwives saw to me immediately and got me into an assessment room and onto a monitor. After about a half an hour, I began vomitting quite badly and I was diagnosed with food poisoning. I was so well cared for that night and the midwives consulted with Dr. Dockeray before letting me home.

 

I was very lucky that the rest of my pregnancy carried along smoothly. Two days after my due date, my waters broke at home and I went in for an assessment to the labour ward. I was not in labour, but my induction was booked for the following morning. However, I went into labour later that evening at home and I was admitted just after midnight.

 

I was induced the next morning, as planned and received my epidural at 11am. My midwife, Phil Beglan was a complete dote and was with me the whole day. I slept most of the day once my epidural was administered and at 6pm Phil asked me if I was feeling any pressure yet. I wasn't, but within 5 minutes of her asking it was all systems go! 

 

Dr. Valerie Donnelly was called in at 6.30pm. I have never in my life come across someone who has as much of a calming influence as she does. She was utterly wonderful. My 8lb 7oz baby boy was delivered into the most quiet, happy and serene atmosphere. I cannot thank the team in the room that evening enough!

 

The care I received post-natally was akin to that of a 5 star hotel. I was given all the neccessary pain relief and attention and got to have some lovely chats with the gorgeous midwifery team. And as for the breakfast?! There's NO breakfast like a Mount Carmel breakfast!

 

I have nothing but fond memories of my pregnancy journey and that is simply down to Mount Carmel’s staff. My son's birth was such a wonderful, positive calm and serene experience and I simply cannot wait for baby no. 2!

I want to say a huge thank you again to everybody in Mount Carmel for such a great experience. Hope to be back soon :)

 

Sarah Anderson