Siobhan was a patient at Liverpool
Women’s Hospital back in 2022.
This is her story about her pregnancy
and relationship with her midwife

I was diagnosed with stage 4 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell lymphoma at the end of August 2022. I was almost 17 weeks pregnant and was critically unwell. At this point I was referred to Liverpool Women’s hospital and came under Jo’s care. Jo visited me at Liverpool Heart and Chest and at Clatterbridge Cancer centre once I started my emergency chemotherapy. There was a lot of hope for my pregnancy despite my diagnosis, but sadly we found out that our son himself was desperately unwell, and my pregnancy ended when I was almost 24 weeks pregnant. Jo’s constant support during this difficult time was invaluable to not only myself but to my husband and to our family. Jo kept me informed of what would be happening and when, and was someone I could turn to for advice.

Jo was so friendly and kind. She had a calming presence and put me at ease when we met. It means so much to us that Jo was the midwife who delivered Freddie. The lead up to Freddie’s birth was heartbreakinglydifficult, but the birth itself was calm and special. Thanks to Jo we have precious memories, experiences and tangible links to our son. Jo took photos, Freddie’s prints and put a memory box together for us.

Jo treated and trusted me as a mum and continues to do so. Jo meets me when I am at the Women’s for follow up appointments and scans which has really helped, returning to the hospital after having Freddie could have been really hard for me but knowing I was going to see a familiar face has made it a lot easier. Jo went above and beyond for our family and we will never be able to thank her enough for what she did for us. The support from Jo has been unwavering and we have a very special bond now. I wish all people experiencing pregnancy could have a midwife like Jo.

My role in the provision of midwifery care for Siobhan ensured continuity of carer from the moment Siobhan was admitted to hospital unwell and will continue to be ongoing for as long as she requires support from me. Through knowing her individual case, schedule of appointments and family support I was able to develop a care pathway suited to her individual needs with the full support of the maternal medicine team.

QUOTE FROM MIDWIFE JO (OUTREACH MIDWIFE AT LWH)