New mother tells how she benefitted from having her baby delivered by a midwife she knew | News

A new mother has told how she benefitted from having her baby delivered by a midwife she knew and trusted.

Belinda Kaye was supported through her entire pregnancy, including when she gave birth with us, by a small dedicated team of midwives.

The Trust’s continuity of care approach sees the team by womens’ sides from their first antenatal appointments right through to reassuring home visits following their discharge from hospital.

Belinda, who was supported throughout her pregnancy with Matilda, now three months and is also mum to Freddie, aged two years, said: “It made a huge difference seeing the same faces at each appointment and when I was giving birth.

“They got to know me and my husband, Ian, and understand what had happened at my previous birth.

“I had Freddie in London and I saw a different midwife at each appointment and after his birth had a few issues.

“This time around I was definitely more relaxed because I knew my midwives and they knew me and what my character is like.

“This approach was so much better – I felt looked after and cared for.”

Our Maternity Service was rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and has been awarded the UNICEF Baby Friendly Ward Gold Standard.

Belinda was supported through her pregnancy by midwife Jemma Bicker, she said: “It’s really lovely for the women because they see someone familiar throughout the time they are pregnant and with their new born baby.

“It is really lovely for us because we get to know the ladies really well, so I think we can provide a really high standard of care.”

The Surrey Meadows Team, was launched in response to a nationwide Government review that highlighted the importance of continuity of care for maternity services.

Research found women who see the same midwife or midwives are able to build up a trusting relationship.

It is hoped that the Surrey Meadows Team will support around 250 women with low risk pregnancies or who have previously had a caesarean section.

The team comprises of 10 midwives who will split their time between the community and Royal Surrey’s newly refurbished Midwife Led Birth Suite.

Expectant mothers will primarily see the same one or two midwives, but be invited to know the entire team during monthly forums.

Amy Stubbs, Deputy Director of Midwifery and Divisional Head of Nursing for Women and Children said: “There are few moments more special than welcoming a child into the world and the Surrey Meadows Team will be by the side of expectant and new parents every step of the way.

“Women will largely be supported by one or two midwives who will get to know not just them but their families and babies as well.

“For Belinda we managed to transform her experience of pregnancy, birth and beyond for the better, as she was comfortable and trusted the midwives who cared for her.”

The Trust is sharing the story as part of a week-long celebration to launch a change in its name.

The Trust started providing adult community health services for Guildford and Waverley in April 2018 and has decided to change its name, from Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to just Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.