Downpatrick mum back to baby unit

Downpatrick mum back to baby unit

8 August 2012 - by David Telford

A DOWNPATRICK mum has become the first to give birth to two children at the town’s new maternity unit.

And Sinead Degan is hoping that many more mums will follow her example and use the facility housed within the Downe Hospital.

Sinead give birth to baby Eoin on Tuesday of last week and described the midwife unit and its staff as “fantastic and professional.”

Thirteen months earlier, the Downpatrick woman gave birth to Dylan and is delighted with the service she received on both occasions at a unit which is not staffed by doctors.

“My eldest son was born at the Royal Victoria in Belfast which had everything and I see no difference in the service provided in Downpatrick. While there may be no doctors, the local staff are wonderful and go out of their way to make the birthing experience as straight forward as possible,” explained Sinead.

“I did not know I was the first mum to return to the Downpatrick unit to have a second child and I am so glad that I did. This was always my number one choice and while it was suggested I may have to go to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald for the birth as my iron levels were low, the staff were able to sort this out.”

Sinead is encouraging would-be mums and those planning to have a baby to use the midwife-unit in Downpatrick.

“The staff are so friendly and put you are your ease. The facilities are wonderful and the surroundings do help you relax,” the proud mum continued.

“I have always felt in safe hands while in this unit and the staff are really excellent.”

Sinead believes it’s essential that services as the midwife-unit are retained locally and says they have an important role to play.

“Having a brilliant facility such as this on your doorstep is fantastic. Having to make your way to either the Ulster or the Royal in Belfast is also not straightforward for many people and their families,” she added.

Earlier this year, the Downpatrick unit organised an information evening geared towards women thinking of having a baby and those who were already pregnant.

The local unit caters for mums deemed to be in the low risk category, but also provides ante-natal services for women classed as high risk who will have their babies in one of the Belfast area hospitals were consultant cover is available.

After giving birth these particular women can have their postnatal care delivered locally.