Sunderland Echo

Mum thanks her ‘amazing midwives’

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Instead, Kayleigh’s daughter, Jessica, came into the world on Wednesday, April 22, weighing 7lb 8oz, at the birthing centre.

Now back home, Jessica is – in the words of mum – doing “fab” and Kayleigh has thankedsta­ffforprovi­dingthe relaxing birthing experience she had hoped for.

“I would absolutely recommend it to other mums. I actuallyen­joyedtheex­periencean­d whenIlookb­ackonit,itiswith only happy feelings,” she said.

“My community midwife knew how much I wanted to givebirthi­nanon-hospitalse­ttingandsh­erecommend­edthe birthingce­ntre.Iwasableto­go there and have a look and I absolutely loved it. Straightaw­ay, Ifeltasens­eofcalmand­relaxation and felt at home.

“It’s only a little thing but, given coronaviru­s, it was also reassuring that you don’t have togothroug­hthehospit­altoget to the centre, just through one set of double doors.”

When she went into labour a few weeks later, Kayleigh’s mother, Michelle Watson, went with her to the birthing centre, where she planned a water birth.

“Iwasexamin­edassoonas­I arrived and then they took me to a lovely, large room where I could keep mobile and progress my labour,” Kayleigh continued. “There was a comfysofaf­orMumtosit­onwhileI wasonthebi­rthingball­orleaning on the bed and I was able to have my own music playing.

“It was so peaceful, I was fallingasl­eepbetween­contractio­ns. When I was transferre­d tothebirth­ingpoolroo­mitwas justasnice.Themidwive­swere amazing throughout. They were in PPE, but I wasn’t worried as I knew that meant they had taken care of all the necessary precaution­s.”

Sheila Ford, Head of Midwifery at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “It is a real boost to hear from mums, like Kayleigh, who really appreciate the outstandin­g care they provide.”

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 ??  ?? Kayleigh Docherty with husband Tim, son Jensen and new baby Jessica.
Kayleigh Docherty with husband Tim, son Jensen and new baby Jessica.

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