"Care at KEMH"

At my 12-week scan, which I assumed like most parents would be nothing but good news, my husband and I received the devastating news that our daughter appeared to have a severe congenital heart condition and a suspected chromosomal abnormality. This led to me being removed from the private health system and being referred to KEMH.

Naturally, this was a nerve-wracking time but from my very first phone call with Ann, a midwife from the Gold Team, I felt reassured I was in the best of hands. A CVS was quickly organised as the staff were aware that waiting weeks for an amniocentesis to be done would be highly distressing and also limit my options if I wanted to terminate the pregnancy.

Over the course of 8 weeks in the care of the Gold Team, I received increasingly bad news at every single appointment about my daughter’s condition however I was receiving such amazing support from the team - I have no doubt that I had an easier time accepting what was going on because I felt so well supported and they always talked about my baby as if she was just that, my baby. A loved and valued member of our family even at that gestational age.

The staff member who changed it all for me though, was Dr Shin. I have dealt with many medical professionals over the years after my neonatal loss however she is hands down one of the most incredible, empathetic doctors I have ever met. I know Shin has personally spent a significant amount of time pouring over my case and exploring the possibility that my first neonatal death could be linked to what I was now experiencing. She has spent a large amount of time trying to get my deceased son’s tissue tested by the Coronial Service and calling me at the end of her shifts to keep me updated with everything. I can honestly say if I was not taken under Dr Shin’s wing, I’d have been a lot worse off. She has always treated me with the utmost respect, provided me with all the information and time I needed and truly was empathetic towards my circumstances.

Unfortunately, our little baby turned out to have a large deletion in one of her chromosomes and a complex heart condition so the decision was made to induce me and let her pass peacefully. The care I received during my induction was incredible, midwife Emma delivered my baby and was so thoughtful during my induction in terms of memory making and supporting me. I cannot thank the team who has cared for me enough, you have made such a difference to my grieving process and have left me better off.