From shock pregnancy to C section - in under a month

What started as a surprise pregnancy turned into an emergency delivery within the space of a few weeks for Roxanne and her new baby, Mary-Jen (MJ). It was during a routine regular blood test to measure her iron levels due to her anaemia, that Roxanne discovered she was pregnant.

“I was a total shock. I didn’t even know I was pregnant. I had a scan a few days later and found out I was six months along,” she says.

But only days after discovering her pregnancy, Roxanne’s waters broke and she headed off to Middlemore Hospital.

“The staff there were great. They kept me rested, monitored me, and gave me steroid injections. They booked into Manukau SuperClinic for my second steroid shot and scans to monitor baby’s fluid levels.”

Two and a half weeks later, after putting her other children to bed, Roxanne sat down to eat and instantly knew something was wrong.

She headed back to Middlemore Hospital and within ten minutes of arriving she was rushed to surgery for an emergency C-section.

That day, Mary-Jen, or MJ for short, was born four months premature, weighing 1.1kgs.

“The first time I got to see her was two hours after my C-section when they took me by wheelchair to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was surreal.

“Bubs and I spent two months in NICU followed by one and a half months at the Special Care Baby Unit.

“The staff there were amazing and really, really lovely and so supportive.”

For many woman, pregnancy and birth isn’t all rosy and pregnancy glows – and they may feel they missed out on those precious moments of childbirth.

“I’ve had normal births and not so normal,” explains Roxanne.

“I lost my third baby, Nova-May who only lived for an hour after being born at 25 weeks and four days.”

Roxanne has some advice for future parents who experience a birth or pregnancy that isn’t smooth sailing.

“Bonding is different when your baby is fighting for their life – but in the end – I think it’s stronger because of what you have been through together.

“Any parent out there that has to go to NICU with their premature baby – know that the staff there are amazing and will help you through.”

After the hospital stay, MJ finally arrived home, requiring oxygen for five to six weeks, but each day she continued to thrive and grow.

“She is beautiful, healthy and happy now and I’m so grateful,” says Roxanne.

Our way finding volunteers perform a vital role in offering support and care to people who are visiting the hospital.

They practice whakawhanaungatanga (being familiar with others) and provide manaakitanga (kindness and care) – which are some of our organisation’s values.

Te Whatu Ora has a group of dedicated volunteers in a variety of roles including way finders who help people find their way around Middlemore Hospital and Manukau Health Park (Manukau Health Park and Surgical Centre).

“These volunteer roles are special – you can be with someone on their happiest or worst of times. Its very personal and it feels like an honour to be there with them at that time,” says Priti, Volunteer Coordinator.

Tanya, one of our volunteers has been around hospitals all her life with a family history of cancer.

“I wanted to give back to the hospital for the care they have given my family. I enjoy people and I wanted to help people,” she explains.

Robyn, another regular volunteer here explains that visitors can often get lost as Middlemore Hospital is a big place.

“We take them where they need to go and often offer them a sympathetic ear, listen to their story or help keep them calm if they are nervous. Its basically giving back to the community and helping people,” she says.

Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience in the health care industry.

“It’s a great way to learn how a hospital works. We offer are a very diverse, supportive and busy environment to learn in. If you have a second language, such as Maaori, Samoan, Tongan or Chinese, we would love to hear from you,” says Priti.

If you are a student, new or returning to the workforce and want work experience, volunteering is a great opportunity to do just that.

If you have extra time on your hands or just want to meet new people and expand your social network, a volunteer wayfinder role could be for you.

Come join our team!