"Positive labour"

As a first time to be mum, I feel, the thought of giving birth is very daunting, especially when your birthing during a global pandemic. The thought of potentially not being able to have my partner at the birth was frightening. Fortunately Miss decided she would wait until the restrictions were lifted and we were on our way to Bunbury Regional Hospital.

After a visit to my Midwife and the Doctor at Bridgetown due to slight bleeding, where they both remained very calm and reassured me everything will be fine but it may be a good idea to head straight through to Bunbury as previously planned. I knew we were in good hands as soon as we pulled up.

I was stuck on the medium strip mid-contraction and a lovely man wheeled me out a wheel chair so my partner could push me up to the ward. Although we did get stopped for the mandatory covid sign in - I did say can we not do this later I’m slightly pre-occupied. We made our way to the maternity ward and the lovely midwives were expecting us. We went straight to the labour room and started our journey to become parents.

Over the 10ish hours we had a couple of midwife changes. But I can honestly say the care didn’t change once. The ladies went above and beyond. We welcomed our healthy little girl on the 21st of February at 4.53am. We were parents. And nothing will ever prepare you for the love you feel once you have your baby.

After my baby was born I suffered quite a bad haemorrhage, causing me to loose 2.3 litres of blood. Although I wouldn't have had any idea because the Midwifes and Doctor remained so unbelievably calm. I didn’t realise how bad it was until after they stopped the bleeding. After a couple hours I was moved back to a room, and that was it- I was a mum. This little life laid beside me and I was the one she needed.

The midwifes were absolutely fantastic, as I had one thousand stupid questions and they helped me with every single one. They even took my baby to the nursery so I could get some rest as I’d been up all night which was an absolute godsend. The next day after all my baby's tests were passed we were allowed to go home- well to Manjimup Hospital (also known as Warren Hospital) anyway. There is nothing like being home, especially when half the staff at the hospital you know, are friends, family or have watched you grow up yourself. It was perfect.

On behalf of myself and my partner we would like to thank the staff at both Manjimup Hospital, for the treatment once I was transferred home and the midwifery help pre and postpartum. The new midwife program is unbelievable, it makes such a difference with the unknowns of a new mum so much easier. Bridgetown Hospital for the calm reassurance we needed in a some what worrying time.

And I especially want to thank the Doctors and Midwifes at Bunbury Regional, Bron, Jacinta, Nyree, Christina (Doctor on call) and Jillian. I know I have missed people as I tried my hardest to write down all the names but was a little busy trying to take everything in. I also apologise it’s taken me a few months to get around to thanking you all.

We really appreciate everything you have done for us,

Warmest regards,

Our little happy family.