Our Maternity teams work night and day to care for women, birthing people and their babies. Former patient, Raeesa Moghul, recently got in touch to share her experience and gratitude to the team who looked after her and her daughter, who was born at 34 weeks via emergency c-section. 

Here is Raeesa's story:

"In 2024 I became pregnant with my daughter, Duha Idrees. Her due date was 22nd June, but as my pregnancy progressed I began to experience complications including gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension and severe pre-eclampsia.

"In the final weeks of my pregnancy, my placenta's blood flow to the baby began to show resistance. In early May the sonographer at CRH confirmed that the baby's heartbeat was beginning to drop as she wasn't getting enough oxygen or blood flow.

"I was admitted to the Labour Ward that same day to be monitored and to wait for a decision on what would happen next. A few days later, on the 11th of May, it was confirmed in the early hours of the morning that the placenta had stopped working entirely.

"It was decided that my baby would be delivered prematurely at 34-weeks via emergency c-section that day. Later that morning I met Dr Lovely Thomas and her team of specialists who came to see me to make sure everything was okay. I was feeling nervous as I'd never had an operation in my life and never really had any illnesses either.

"The team were absolutely lovely and were so comforting towards me and my family. At 11am I walked with my family and my husband to the operating theatre. We laughed and talked on the way and I chose my sister, Kiran, to be there with me through the surgery.

"This was the first time Kiran had witnessed such a phenomenal procedure, she was in tears by the end of it. By 11:15, my daughter Duha Idrees was born, weighing 3 pounds and 11 ounces, at exactly 34 weeks.

"The whole procedure was incredible. It felt like my body was in a tumble dryer and the coolest part was when they drained the amniotic fluid out.

"The doctor warned us that the baby may struggle to breathe, or that other complications could arise, but Duha was a fighter, like me."

"As soon as they took her out, she let out her first cries. She was absolutely tiny. Kiran cut the cord and for a brief second brought my daughter to me so I could see her. I have albinism and a visual impairment and can't see very far - so I wanted to see my baby. It was amazing when I did."

"Due to the surgery, I had to wait 24 hours before I could see my daughter again as I was so weak. But seeing those doctors work and do their best - they saved not only my life that day, but also my daughter's life. We spent a few weeks in the Special Care Baby Unit until it was finally time to take my daughter home.

"Today, my daughter Duha is a healthy and thriving toddler who will be turning 2 in a few months. She has such a personality, she tries to talk so much and she's so clever. She is doing incredibly well.

"I will be eternally grateful to Dr Lovely Thomas and the team of specialists who saved our lives. Thank you.

"Because of you I have a daughter - my living legacy."