Woman thanks midwives who safely delivered baby by caesarian during height of coronavirus outbreak

A mum who gave birth by caesarian section has told how tough it was to adjust to the precautions doctors had to take to protect her and her baby.

Katharine Cole had her baby, Max, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital the end of April, during the height of the coronavirus outbreak.

Women can still have one birth partner with them for their baby’s birth, but not if you need a caesarean.

A partner is allowed in for two hours following the birth – but otherwise this measure, and not allowing visiting on maternity wards, has helped to prevent the spread of infection.

Women are also asked to attend antenatal appointments on their own.

Katherine was worried about being on her own for the procedure, for which she would be awake.

But she hailed the great care she received from the maternity team. She said: “We had our son, Max, on Monday, April 27 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Woolwich.

Four years ago, we had our daughter at University Hospital Lewisham where we received excellent service – also run by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust – so we had high hopes for a good experience at QEH.

“This second pregnancy had quite a few complications. However, the service and treatment I received throughout was great.

“At 36 weeks I was told that the baby was in the breech position, and at 39 weeks I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia – which can cause dangerously high blood pressure – so had to be admitted to hospital.

“I felt nervous about going in to hospital on my own, but the staff were so kind and made sure that I was looked after.

“Luckily, I only had to stay in for one night. But the pre-eclampsia meant the date of my caesarean section was brought forward.

“When my husband dropped me off for the C-section I was really nervous as I’d never had major surgery before and I wasn’t looking forward to being alone for the delivery of our baby. But I needn’t have worried.

“From the moment I arrived the staff made me feel welcome and supported.

“The midwives and medical team made sure I knew exactly what would happen and when. During the surgery, a midwife and the anaesthetist kept up a constant stream of chatter to take my mind off things. They were very reassuring and made the time pass quickly.

“They took lots of photos with my phone so I could show my husband later

“After being wheeled into recovery, my husband was allowed to visit for two hours – not long enough – but I understand why.

“Then I was moved to the postnatal ward, where I felt nervous being on my own. I had just undergone major surgery and was in quite a lot of pain – but the midwives’ care was fantastic.

“Unfortunately, because of the pre-eclampsia I had to stay in hospital for a couple of days. This was the hardest part – and the most tedious – but it was fine.

“Many of the midwives I had met previously popped in to see how we
were doing, even if they weren’t the ones officially caring for me.

“Nothing was too much trouble and they were always there when I needed them and was at my most vulnerable.

“Before being discharged, both baby Max and I were thoroughly checked over, so I left knowing that everything was fine.

“The midwives’ names I can remember were Emily, Sam, Liz, Sophie, Leanna, Pauline, Heather and Lesley, but these were just a few of the fantastic midwives.

“This current situation is not ideal for pregnant women and women giving birth, but the support that I received from all members of staff was fantastic. Thank you.”

Pictured top: Katharine Cole with baby Max