A new Hartlepool mum has described how she went for a special Beach Bumps walk with other mothers-to-be just hours before giving birth in the town’s hospital.
Lyndsey Lee had been planning to join other pregnant women on the beach walk by the town’s seaside when she started to experience mild contractions.
Because she was not having any discomfort, Lyndsey still joined the group that morning.
Yet – less than 24 hours later – she was in the midwife-led Rowan Suite at the University Hospital of Hartlepool having her new daughter Ayda Quinn Lee.
Lyndsey, 34, and her partner Anthony, are full of praise for the service and the beach walks.
The walks were set up by midwives as part of the Trust’s status as an ‘Active Hospital’ by Public Health England and its commitment to regular exercise.
Lyndsey said: “I had been along to Beach Bumps once before. It was really enjoyable and an opportunity to get out and speak to other mums-to-be.
“On the day of the walk, I was starting to experience some contractions. The next day I went in to the unit at 4.30am and had Ayda four hours later.
“It was a fantastic experience being there. It was such a comfortable and relaxed environment with a fantastic team of midwives.”
The Rowan suite opened earlier this year. So that local women considered to be low risk could have their baby in the town.
Continuity of carer
The facility is also a supporter of the continuity of carer programme which ensures women are seen by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy.
Lyndsey added: “The continuity of carer service was fantastic for me.
“My midwife Caroline was amazing throughout the pregnancy. She was always there for me if I had a question or a query. And, being a first time mum, I had lots!
“And giving birth in Hartlepool was something which was so special. I was born in the old Cameron’s Hospital in the town. It is lovely Ayda was also born in the town.
“Knowing the hospital was only 10 minutes from my house was so important to me and the facility is fantastic.
“As well as this, the after-care was fantastic – with advice and support around important things such as breastfeeding.”
Caroline Wood, who was Lyndsey’s named midwife, said: “It is fantastic to already hear the positive feedback of so many of the women who have given birth in Hartlepool since the unit opened just a few months ago. People have also fully engaged with the antenatal services the Rowan team provide, including Beach Bumps which has been a great success thanks to my colleague Jacqui Lewis.
“It is also so good to hear that so many of our women appreciate that dedicated support they have through continuity of carer. We are here for the women through every step of their pregnancy”.
“I am delighted women like Lyndsey – with her gorgeous daughter Ayda – have benefited from continuity of carer in Hartlepool, as well as having the choice to give birth in the town. It was pleasure to be with Lyndsey and Ayda throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum.”
