Where do I start with Flip? She didn’t deliver my baby, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t support me from the moment I went back to the antenatal ward 6 weeks before I was due. Flip was my support, my supporter and my guide throughout the final weeks.
Our meet first started when I broke down feeling in such fear of giving birth with such a huge varicose vein! Looking back it was the start of me feeling so vulnerable. She took me aside after my regular checks and I just felt as though she listened. We made a plan (she didn’t need to do this - I wasn’t seeing her specifically that day - but I cannot explain how supported she made me feel). I revisited the antenatal clinic multiple times before being told I would need a c-section due to risks (IVF baby/nearing 40/first baby prem - and the rest). Flip listened and sat with me and asked if I wanted a sweep. She was AMAZING. I was in such an emotional state, with multiple consultants giving me different options and she was the one person who always provided me with a feeling of calm. When I couldn’t bring myself to have a sweep, she was patient - and on the two times I did have one with her - we had such a giggle and I still to this day have strong memories of her saying she could feel the baby’s head, but she wasn’t planning on coming anytime soon! On the day I finally went into labour (naturally - thankfully) I crazily couldn’t get through to the labour ward and rang antenatal to ask them if I could come in.
As soon as I reached the ward, Flip appeared and the feeling of relief and emotion I cannot explain. I am forever grateful to her. She took me down to the labour ward and stayed with me as long as she could. After she left, there were a lot of issues, and 6 hours had passed before she visited me again. She was amazed I hadn’t had the baby and got to work getting me in better positions, supporting me and just being fantastic - specifically when I was crying and throwing up! I cried with relief when I saw her. She held my hand and gave me the comfort I needed.
That night, our baby girl was born (not quite the way I had anticipated!) and when we left the hospital she came to see us. I have since been back in to thank her and the incredible team for the delivery of my baby girl - who is now 16 months and completed our family. Her older brother is in love with her.
For Flip and the team at L&D, I cannot thank them enough. If I could hug Flip now I would - she was a beacon of light for me in my must vulnerable time. She didn’t deliver my baby, but she was my most trusted midwife throughout my whole birth.
