Couple enjoy first Christmas cuddles with baby Archie thanks to "exceptional" maternity care

Having a newborn baby in the house always makes Christmas all the more magical – but for one Swansea couple it so nearly didn’t happen.

Aimee Arran and partner Seb Mallows have enjoyed countless cuddles with son Archie since he was born almost two months ago.

Yet their happy story could have had a very different outcome were it not for the “exceptional” care provided at the city’s Singleton Hospital.

Aimee had to undergo an emergency procedure to try to prevent a late miscarriage, with only a 50 per cent chance of success. But fortunately it worked, and Archie arrived safely on Saturday 26^th October.

Aimee and Seb, who live in Morriston, have nothing but praise for obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Madhuchanda Dey, lead midwife sonographer Tania Peverley and everyone else involved in her care.

She also thanked sonographer Rebecca Kieft, who conducted the 20-week scan which identified an issue that ultimately saved Archie’s life.

“At 20 weeks it was identified my cervix had shortened and I was put under the new Pre-Term Birth Prevention Clinic with Tania and Mrs Dey,” said first-time mum Aimee.

“Unfortunately at 21+6 weeks, my cervix had failed more. I was, potentially, imminently due to have a late miscarriage.”

Aimee needed an emergency cervical cerclage, which involves temporarily stitching the cervix closed to try to prevent premature birth. Mrs Dey carried out the procedure.

“Her care and advice were fantastic,” said Aimee. “I knew I was in great hands while was also being gently reminded of the risks of the cerclage failing or premature labour happening.

“Towards the end of my pregnancy, having thankfully made it to a safe point, I genuinely felt Mrs Dey was happy to see my pregnancy become a success, which I am sure is down to her procedure.”

Aimee described the care from Tania as absolutely brilliant. She said they built a great rapport, and Tania had also been genuinely happy for her.

“Her scans were so thorough and always showed me what she was looking at or looking for,” said Aimee. “She’s fantastic at her job.

“Her bedside manner was brilliant, especially in my initial scan with her where I received the bad news my cervix had failed even more.

“I was understandably so upset. She really tried to comfort me but also remained realistic and professional about the situation I was in.”

Aimee was booked in for the cerclage to be removed at 37 weeks on Thursday 24th October. Before the stitch could be taken out she went into labour during the early hours. Archie arrived on the 26th.

“The care I received on ward 19 and on the labour ward was brilliant. My delivery midwife, Amanda Bates and her student, Lucy Fender, were phenomenal,” she said. 

“Archie is doing well – he’s really great. Without the care and support I received I am sad to think he may not be here today. I am forever in debt to Mrs Dey and her team. 

“If Rebecca had not identified the issue with my cervix at the 20-week scan, I would not have had the additional scans, and the outcome would have been devastating.

“People are quick to complain about standards of care but don’t talk enough when they have a positive experience. From beginning to end, I have absolutely no complaints.”

(Picture shows, from left - lead midwife sonographer Tania Peverley; obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Madhuchanda Dey; midwife sonographer Amy Collins)