"Premature baby, Maternity, Residential Units."

I was admitted to Bunbury maternity ward late last year following a routine extra antenatal appointment in Busselton Hospital. I had developed pre-eclampsia at was admitted for closer monitoring. Unfortunately, my condition worsened and I had to deliver my baby at 34+5 weeks via emergency caesarian. 

My personal care while being monitored was exceptional. All the staff I saw had excellent bedside manner, delivered information in ways I could understand, kept me updated about blood results, blood pressures, my baby's condition and anything else of importance. I was able to have visitors at any time, have my own food and comforts in my room (single with own bar fridge and bathroom) and was able to sit outside in the sun and get fresh air on the verandah outside whenever I liked. 

When my condition worsened and found out I needed an emergency caesarian, I was devastated and extremely worried. All the staff, including PCA's cared and comforted me as best they could, especially Ness- who I knew outside of hospital through the Dunsborough Dungbettles Rugby Club. Ness- thank you for being there for me in one of my hardest moments, I am truly thankful! And to the other Midwives for sharing their stories with me (after I asked) about their premature babies. It really helped me get my head around the whole situation and give me hope.

After delivery, I needed to stay in ICU for a couple of days and my baby was brought to the special care nursery. This was absolutely heartbreaking, but the health of both of us needed specialist care. I was able to request a breastpump and collection syringes, and all the colustrum I collected was taken immediately to nursery for my baby. My husband and Mum were able to be with our baby in the nursery without me. When I returned to the maternity ward, I was wheelchaired in to see my baby for the first time. It was a shocking sight, but I knew he was in the best care. The midwives took him out of the humid crib and I was able to hold him for the first time. I will never forget that moment, like my soul returned to my body.

For the next 3 weeks, my boy stayed in the special care nursery. I was moved into the residential unit downstairs. I live rurally, so I wouldn't be able to come and go easily, and I was still being monitored after developing HELLP syndrome. I was able to come to the nursery any time I wanted, for as long as I wanted. There are chairs in there that you can sit and hold and your baby as long as you want. It is an open room with other babies and families doing the same. Children under 12 (? I think) are not permitted inside the nursery, but can look through the windows. The staff teach you how to feed and care for your baby and keep such a good eye on them all. They love giving cuddles and never let the babies cry for too long.

I got to see so much love and dedication while I was in there. I also made a beautiful friend with one of the other Mums in there. If you feel like it, I encourage you to talk and chat with the other Mums in the nursery, I found it very helpful, healing and supportive. They might not have had the exact same experience as you, but have a similar shared experience, only they know how you are feeling.

A very special mention to Minka, Steph, Tahlia, Annette and all the others (cant remember the names sorry!) that supported my little boy and I on our road to recovery. You are truly light workers and we are so lucky to have you helping all of us!

If you end up staying at the residential units, you can get your and your babies clothes washed with the 'Pink Ladies'. You can find them at the front  of the hospital, get your laundry to them before 10am. There is no washing machines for personal use and if you have a caesarian, you cant drive to get to one. The rooms have basic facilities double bed, bathroom, kettle, mini fridge, sink and microwave. You will need to collect a mug, plate, dishwashing stuff and cutlery from the PCAs' or off the lunch trays.

Apart from no washing machine, the only other challenge was buying my baby premmie clothes (size 000000). I didn't have regular visitors and couldn't drive or walk far. The only place to get them was from Best and Less in Australind, or Big W at Forum Shopping center in Bunbury. I took a  taxi to buy his clothes and some for me too- which was quite expensive. There is a bus service too. Suggestions for improvement are to offer access to premmie baby clothing and for toddlers to stay in residential care. 

Every part of this experience was made so much better by all the wonderful staff working at Bunbury Hospital. We are forever grateful.