Grateful mum's charity run to thank doctors for helping her through difficult birth

Stephanie Briody (33), from Aston, said she was eternally thankful for staff at the Jessop Wing in Sheffield, after overcoming a traumatic birth with her daughter, Imogen. 

She suffered significant blood loss, prompting a bout of care on the hospital’s high dependency unit. 

But after receiving lots of post-birth medical support, Stephanie felt strong enough to have another baby, Charlie, who was born two and a half years later, with no complications.

And to pay back the compassion of hospital staff, the mum took on the Run for All 10k in aid of the Sheffield Hospitals Charity, raising £600.

Stephanie said: “Just over five years ago I was in labour with my first child, Imogen, after a fairly tough pregnancy, having suffered with appendicitis and being monitored due to concerns over early delivery.

“I had hoped the birth would be fairly plain sailing, but it didn’t quite work out that way. After a long labour was I taken into theatre, where Imogen was delivered safely by assisted birth, weighing a healthy 8lb 12oz.

“Afterwards, for reasons out of anybody’s control I lost a lot of blood. The team had to work on stemming the blood flow and avoid having to induce me into a coma, which was successful.

“I don't remember any of this, but my husband, Tim still says that although it was scary to see the amount of people working on me, it was so calm and he knew I would be ok in their capable hands. 

“I spent a couple of days after this in the High Dependency Unit and both Imogen and me were cared for so well. The care continued when I was moved to my own room and was allowed to be continually with my husband or mum. 

"It was a truly terrifying time for me and my family, but one that was made better by the amazing team at the Jessop Wing.

“Once I returned home I made a full recovery. 

“Due to the nature of my birth, I was supported with counselling and assistance in the preparation for thinking about having more children. I met with my consultant who fully understood what happened and why I shouldn’t be scared about having further children if a solid plan was in place for future deliveries.”

Stephanie endured further heartache 18 months later when she suffered a miscarriage but said Jessops staff had been very supportive.

She added: “A few months later I was back at Jessops again. This pregnancy went smoothly, I was supported again by the Feto Maternal Unit throughout and the birth plan that was put in place for any possible complications was flawless.

“Thankfully this birth was your typical birth, and Charlie was born weighing a whopping 10lb 5oz. I was home by lunch time the next day.

“Every single member of staff that I have met in the last five years at Jessops has shown compassion and has left me with lasting positive memories despite the traumas I have experienced. 

“As a mother of two healthy children, I am so eternally grateful for everything that they have done and feel lucky we have this wonderful hospital in my home town.”

Stephanie said she had found a passion for running thanks to a running group.

“My love of running has been supported by a running group called Stride Out Aston and the ladies have been so supportive in training and keeping me motivated,” she said.