Mother’s tribute to top-grade hospital

Feb 29 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A WIRRAL mother last night paid tribute to staff at Arrowe Park hospital for their “amazing” care – as the maternity unit celebrated being one of the safest in the country.

Michelle Foulia, who along with husband Andreas runs Roses Tearooms, in Heswall, had experienced a particularly traumatic labour with the birth of her first son.

She had been staying in Greece, where her husband was working as a hotel manager, and said the experience almost put her off having more children.

Michelle said: “After Mihalis, I was almost scared of having another child, then we moved to England after my husband’s contract ended.

“Then we decided to have another baby, and I was reassured it would be a very different experience, so we went ahead.

“Everything was going really well, no problems during the pregnancy then suddenly at 33 weeks the baby died, without any explanation. He just stopped moving.”

At this time, the couple were preparing to open Roses Tearooms in Heswall, which has since gone on to become an award-winning traditional tea-shop.

Michelle said: “I was busy doing things and realised I had not felt any movement. I called the hospital and they suggested having a hot drink and when that didn’t work suggested a warm bath and if I didn’t feel anything then to come in for a check-up.”

Michelle and her husband went to the maternity unit at Arrowe Park where specialists confirmed the baby had died.

But it was still far from over. Michelle said: “I still had to have a natural labour to deliver him.”

After this, Michelle and her baby, who they named Christos, were put in the Snowdrop room, a specially created suite for parents of stillborn babies, or those who die after birth.

Michelle said: “The care and support was unbelievably amazing and supportive.

“I was there for two days after having learned the baby had died before they could deliver him, and everyone there was just so good – I can’t describe the understanding I had around me.

“They explained everything to us in detail and answered all our questions, and everyone was so respectful of us.

“Then after the baby was delivered, we were allowed to hold him and cuddle him and they took him off and washed and dressed him for me, bringing him back in a Moses basket. He just looked like he was asleep.

“We had imagined all sorts of things and at first, during the labour when we were asked if we wanted to see him afterwards, we said no.

“But after delivering him we naturally picked him up without a second thought. It wasn’t scary, and I’m really glad we did that.”

After this, the couple were faced with the opening of their tearooms and Michelle said she could not face the thought of a similar experience, and had almost decided not to have more children, until she became pregnant with Vangelis.

Vangelis, now two months old, was born four days early on December 27 and is doted on by his older brother, Mihalis.

Michelle said: “It was the best care I could have asked for – from the obstetrician to the midwives to the GP.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all our customers and friends who have been really generous with gifts, cards and good wishes for the baby. We have been overwhelmed and touched with their generosity.”

liammurphy