Birth Story

Dom (first birth - 29 years)

Faye had been in intensive care for 16 hours before the doctors had stabilized her and were in a position to deliver Ella. It had been the most worrying and distressing experience of my life as I held Faye's hand watching her suffer the most terrible pain and discomfort as a result of pre-eclampsia and HELLP.

Faye was so brave, I felt overwhelmed with emotions of love and pride for her as she never once thought about herself - all she thought about was Ella.

When our consultant said Faye would have a caesarean, I felt relieved. Natural childbirth would have meant more pain, discomfort and uncertainty for Faye as everyone knows there is no definite timeline - it follows it's own natural course.

However there was a complication, Faye's condition meant there was a high risk of haemorrhaging - if the conventional anaesthetic via the spine was used. Faye would have to have a caesarean under general anaesthetic. I felt devastated. I wanted Faye and I to be together whilst Ella was being born. I knew Faye wanted to experience giving birth and I wanted to see Ella be born. I wanted to be there, with Faye, to offer all the support I could. Faye had been so brave and things were nearly over, I was so worried about her giving birth. Faye was so strong and in control when she was awake, but what would happen whilst she was asleep under anaesthetic, however we understood the reasons why the decision had been made.

Faye was prepared for theatre, I reassured her and told her that she would soon see our new baby girl. When she was wheeled into theatre I felt sick, I hoped to god that I would see Faye again. I'm not proud of the feelings I felt from that point on, but all I worried about was Faye - she was my primary concern.

After 40 minutes of surgery I heard Ella's cry and I felt relief for the first time. After nearly 2 hours Faye was brought back in intensive care for recovery. The doctors said she was fine. I could see for myself that Faye would be okay and when she opened her eyes I felt overwhelmed. The doctors had done an amazing job looking after Faye and Ella's well-being.