"I felt able to be open and honest about any worries"

I was looked after by the Lotus team in Causeway Hospital during my pregnancy with my first baby. I had the support of two wonderful midwives, Kirsty and Caitlin, who provided continuity of midwifery care.

Despite the closure of the Causeway maternity ward during my pregnancy and finding out I was going to have to travel to Antrim hospital to have the baby, Kirsty and Caitlin were able to continue to look after us. Kirsty and Caitlin were kind, professional, knowledgeable and most importantly they listened to me and advocated for us.

Having the support of the Lotus team throughout pregnancy was so helpful and reassuring, I felt able to be open and honest about any worries and anxieties which was significant in helping me prepare to give birth to our baby.

Caitlin was able to be with me in Antrim hospital for the delivery of our baby and having someone there who knew my husband, myself and our wishes made the experience feel very safe and positive. Additionally, all the staff in Antrim hospital were lovely and very helpful while we were there having our baby. When we were discharged from hospital it was lovely to have Kirsty and Caitlin carry out post natal care and visits for the 10 days after our baby girl was born.

The continuity of care service provided by the Lotus team was invaluable to us and we feel very lucky and thankful we were able to avail of this service.