Having your first baby is stressful enough but add in a health condition and it can be doubly scary.
That was Michelle McManus’ first thought on finding out she was pregnant with her beautiful son Harry, born a few weeks ago.
But what Michelle experienced was the NHS at its ‘very very’ best and she cannot thank all the NHS staff involved in her care, during and after her pregnancy, enough for the level of care and attention given to her, her partner Jeff and her new son.
Michelle is a Scottish singer, columnist and television presenter who won the second and final series of UK talent show Pop Idol in 2003. She has type 1 diabetes which can cause problems during pregnancy. However, a healthy pregnancy is possible with the right support.
Michelle said: “As a type 1 diabetic my pregnancy was to be a little more challenging but thanks to the constant support from the phenomenal diabetic and obstetrics teams I felt supported and sailed through my pregnancy.
“I was seen every Tuesday by the midwifery staff and Dr Carty at the Princess Royal Maternity who kept in regular contact with the my diabetic team at Stobhill
“Nothing was too much trouble and it wasn’t just me. Speaking to other new mums they all said the care they have received was brilliant.
“The care and attention I got from all the staff between wards 71-73 was exceptional and from the minute I arrived it was made clear to me what safe hands me, Jeff and my son were in.
“The level of attention and round the clock care that was given to all of us in the wards will stay with me for the rest of my life and it made child birth one of the most incredible experiences of my life so far, and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.
“We are so lucky to have the NHS and once again I cannot thank everyone involved in my care enough but I have to name some of the team who were incredible including midwifery staff Elaine Wotherspoon and Lisa Watson, who looked after me throughout my entire pregnancy, Dr Carty, who was my diabetic consultant and Lisa Pearson my diabetic nurse, and Dr Fiona MacKenzie who was my obstetrics consultant.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for me and my family.”