Mum who was heartbroken when her baby had no heartbeat shares her story for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Trigger warning: Baby loss
A new mum who sadly discovered her baby girl had no heartbeat has told her inspirational story during Baby Loss Awareness Week to recognise baby loss and praise the midwife who cared for her during what she called the 'toughest time of her life.'
Victoria Jones has bravely shared her experience to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place from 9-15 October, and said she wanted to highlight the support she received following the tragedy.
During her pregnancy Victoria became very unwell with pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and after labour. After being admitted to Royal Derby Hospital, Victoria was devastated to learn that baby Olivia no longer had a heartbeat.
Victoria said the next few days were the hardest of her life but they were made slightly better by the care and compassion of midwife Niamh Miller who was at Victoria's side. Now Victoria and her partner James have nominated Niamh for the 'Patient Hero' award, to recognise her kindness.
Victoria said: "Niamh was incredible with my care during and after labour and she kept me updated with what was going to happen. I spent a week in the Butterfly Suite with Olivia and Niamh supported us, I don’t think I could have done it without her she was incredible."
Victoria said she knew that she wanted Niamh to be the one to take Olivia when the time came to leave the hospital. Victoria and her partner had planned to pass Olivia to Niamh who would give her some cuddles but after reassurance from Niamh, Victoria felt so at ease she decided they should all walk out together, something she can keep as a memory.
Victoria said: "I knew my baby girl would be absolutely fine and she was in safe hands.
"I can never thank Niamh enough for her support, she is a credit to the hospital and will truly stay in my memory for all that she did to make a difficult situation that little bit better. "
Victoria submitted a nomination to UHDB's Making a Difference Awards and Amanda Rawlings, Chief People Officer, thanked Niamh for showing exceptional care to the couple.
Amanda said: "You cared for Victoria in her very difficult hour of need. Your colleagues say you always strive to go above and beyond for your patients and the kind, compassionate care you gave in this instance is something this patient will remember forever.
"It is important that you know just how valued you are by your patients and your colleagues and the organisation."
Jo Ryalls, Senior Midwife, said that despite being relatively newly qualified, Niamh's enthusiasm and professionalism means she is well loved by her peers and the patients she cares for.
She said: "I am so pleased that Niamh has been recognised in this way. She is a real asset to us and an incredible midwife who deserves to know the difference she makes to others."
Nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference Award
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
There are four monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
- Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
- Team UHDB Award – you can nominate your team or another team
- Excellent Employee Award – you can nominate your colleagues
You can send a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net.