"Community midwife support"

Since I fell pregnant with our rainbow baby we have had great support from my community midwife Melissa. All the way through my pregnancy I felt listened too, my choices respected, with information provided. I was treated with the upmost dignity and respect throughout. I had overcome a few illnesses during pregnancy but when I fell ill with laryngitis mel was straight on the phone to the hospital as the GP dismissed it due to me being pregnant. I then received the help I needed to recover. 

I was then diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time, where I attended diabetes clinic, I received great support and advice from kay. I ended up taken insulin at night to reduce my blood sugars. Which was well managed.

I was classed as highrisk and attended growth scans to record baby's weight & growth. Monitored weekly at the end of my pregnancy with the consultant and midwife. Due to risks of the placenta deteriorating I had to be induced at 40wks.

I was not keen on getting induced which I expressed to Melissa and she discussed with me my choices and was fully informed about any risks involved. I was examined and was given the choice to attend a day later to be induced as I was 4cm dilated and the baloon would not be effective. I was very happy with the decision,  Melissa knew I wasn't wanting to attend that evening to the Labour ward. Mel phoned and discussed with the team to make sure it was okay to go over the next day to have my waters broken. Which they were more than happy, which put me at ease and I felt it was in my control and I could prepare myself. 

I had my baby girl and got home 24hrs later due to blood sugars being taken from baby, all were great.

I was home and breastfeeding but i become very sore around day 10, I was so emotional and upset due to given my baby formula & breastmilk through bottle. I felt like a failure as a mother, Melissa was so supportive with advice on feeding both bottle and breastfeeding which got me through a very stressful time both for me and baby.

Which when I look back now I done what was best for my baby and gave her the best start with breastfeeding. I then expressed breastmilk untill my baby was 4wks old and made the choice to stop and give full formula. 

Melissa has been such a great support from the start of our pregnancy journey to the birth of our little girl and myself and husband will forevermore be greatful for. It has made our experience so much easier having a great, kind, caring and compassionate midwife. I will not forget the care I was given because if it wasent for Mel I don't think I would have got through it, huge thank you from both myself and husband.