Gemma

Gemma had three different pregnancies. Her first son was 6 weeks premature after her waters broke, her second son was born without complications and her third son was born 2 weeks early after bleeding during the pregnancy.

It took a few years for Gemma to get pregnant with her first son who was born 6 weeks premature after a labour that lasted for 1 hour and 31 minutes. Gemma describes 27 pushes and her son was born. Her second son was also born after a short labour. Gemma had a miscarriage before her third son was born. She started bleeding at 17 weeks with her third son and was determined to hold onto 36 weeks before going into labour. He was born two weeks early.

Gemma loved being pregnant despite experiencing sickness during her first one and gave birth without pain relief. She had excellent midwife support during her pregnancies and was disappointed when she was not able to give birth in the local hospital because of complications. She found the staff and setting in the larger hospital poor. She was very upset when she was not able to see her first son for several hours after his birth because he was premature and she put in a complaint about her treatment. She found the ward unhygienic and the staff uncaring and unconcerned about the patients.

Social services have been involved with Gemma and her family since she and her husband split up for a while before her second son was born. She was given an extra two days of midwife support when she returned home with her second child and still has the same social worker.

The midwife told Gemma to close her mouth when she was pushing; her baby was born after 27 pushes.

Age at interview 29

Gender Female

By her third child, the midwife told Gemma you didn’st really need me.

Age at interview 29

Gender Female

Gemma cried when she couldn’st hold her baby who stayed in special care until he was 35 weeks old.

Age at interview 29

Gender Female

Gemma said to her unborn child, You’sre gonna stay in here’s after she’sd had a miscarriage.

Age at interview 29

Gender Female

Gemma was initially unable to get pregnant but now thinks it was because she was worrying too much.

Age at interview 29

Gender Female