Jeanette Hennessy is Lead Midwife for the maternity ward and delivery suite at St Helier Hospital. Here are some of the questions she is frequently asked:
Can I use a birthing pool?
Every effort is made to accommodate the wishes of an expectant mother. If a patient wants to use a birthing pool, either for relaxation or to give birth, she will be assessed on admission and, if it is vacant, she can use the pool providing everything is progressing as it should be.
How can I relax in hospital?
We really do want to make birth a positive experience, and part of this is helping the mums-to-be relax. They can even bring in their own music! A one-to-one service is provided once they are in labour, which means that the patient is allocated a specific midwife per shift to look after them.
When can I go home?
If all is well after delivery, and both mother and child are healthy, you can request to go home within a few hours, once the necessary paperwork has been completed. Midwives working in the community can check the babies at home and discharge them from NHS care after they leave the hospital.
What if my baby is not well?
St Helier Hospital offers 24 hour paediatric and neonatal cover, which means that there are specialist doctors and nurses at hand whenever you and your baby might need them.
Will there be students looking after me?
Patients should be aware that St. Helier is a training hospital, and there may well be student nurses and midwives involved in their care, working alongside more experienced professionals. The students have already undergone years of training, and extra help on the busy wards is worthwhile for patients as well as staff.
Does St Helier Hospital offer stem cell collection?
The hospital is not opposed to the collection of umbilical cord blood, to be stored after the birth of a child in case of future illness, but advises that you use a recommended company that provides a private phlebotomist.
