Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Lucy's caesarean delivery
Lucy shares her experience of having a baby by C-section
““Although giving birth is never easy, however it happens, the staff involved in my care were so calm and reassuring, I felt completely safe.””
Lucy's story
When Lucy and her husband Ben found out their baby was in breech position they knew they needed to reconsider their plan for a natural birth. Lucy and Ben researched information on breech delivery and consulted family and friends. ‘We received advice from many sources,’ says Lucy, ‘but much of it was conflicting and it was hard to know what to think.
My cousin had recently given birth at The Portland Hospital and highly recommended her consultant, Mr Jeffrey Braithwaite, so we made an appointment.’ Mr Braithwaite, one of the country’s leading obstetric and gynaecology consultants, delivers over 100 babies each year at The Portland Hospital. His experience immediately put the couple at ease. He recommended a caesarean delivery as the best option for both Lucy and her baby.
Lucy took the news in her stride. ‘My main concern was for the safety and well-being of my baby and myself, and Jeffrey reassured me that a caesarean was indeed the safest option.’ When the time came, Mr Braithwaite performed the caesarean section and the couple welcomed healthy baby Saffron into the world. Two years later, when Lucy and Ben discovered they were expecting a second baby, they knew exactly where they wanted to go for maternity care. ‘We’d had such a positive experience with The Portland Hospital and completely trusted Jeffrey, so it was the obvious choice to return for my second pregnancy,’ says Lucy.
Maternity care at The Portland
The Portland Hospital and Mr Braithwaite provided all of Lucy’s antenatal care. As the due date approached, the couple discovered that their second baby was lying in a transverse position. As before, Lucy was advised that a caesarean section was the best way to proceed.
Mr Braithwaite safely delivered their second baby, baby Orlando, and Lucy and Ben were again struck by the quality of care they received. ‘I can honestly say that all the staff were excellent,’ says Lucy.
“ ‘Everyone went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable. My midwife, Joan, was outstanding and I’m so grateful to her. I really couldn’t fault my time at The Portland Hospital…in fact, it could make me consider baby number three!’”
More patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.