Family call for warnings about labour transfers

The parents of twin girls, born in Northern Ireland earlier this year are calling for all parents of twins to be warned early in pregnancy that they may be transferred during labour.  Apparently, this is a routine conversation had with those expecting triplets or more, but not necessarily twins.  Sadly for this family, due to a lack of incubator spaces, the Mum, Eleanor Brown, was transferred four times during her labour!

Her husband Ross Brown said: “At the start of their pregnancy they should just say there’s a chance you’re not going to give birth here. No-one should have to go through what we went through.”

Breedagh Hughes from the RCM said: “Even if a unit does its best to keep two cots available, they have to deal with whatever comes through the door, and it may be that somebody comes in in more urgent need. But I do think there’s a job of work to be done about explaining this to women so it doesn’t come as a shock.”

Thankfully the story has a happy ending as both girls are doing well and thriving at home.

The BBC report can be viewed here