KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, advanced maternal age, IVF, hyperemesis gravidarum, placenta previa, haemorrhage & blood transfusion, emergency CS, premature, postnatal depression, expat

Hold tight for a dramatic story in this episode, as we meet Louise Ann - who arrived pregnant on the Rock in 2007! Louise and her partner began trying for a baby in the early 2000's in the UK, but were met with unexplained infertility. She describes the toll of three unsuccessful IVF cycles and exploratory surgery, before eventually falling pregnant. However, she suffered severe sickness and further complications in her second trimester... discovered once she relocated to the Rock with her partner's job at 31 weeks pregnant.

Louise was admitted to St. Bernard's hospital on arrival, then put on bedrest for several weeks as placenta previa and associated bleeding deemed her high risk. She used her time to learn about newborn care, and describes a steep learning curve while forming good connections with medical staff. She recalls the details surrounding the frighteningly fast arrival of her daughter by emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. Louise required a blood transfusion, but was lucky to avoid transfer of care to Spain. 

Mother and baby recovered well, and Louise speaks about her determination to overcome postnatal depression. She describes the surprising power of instinct and positive mindset, and speaks fondly about staff at the GHA supporting her. Louise is certain she would not have received the same care in England, and remains forever grateful to local staff for saving their lives. We conclude our chat discussing what it's like to go from proudly parenting a tiny preemie to a young adult. I'm very grateful to Louise for sharing her dramatic Gibraltar Birth Story! 

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