Mum, midwife and granny: 22 years of Dr Gray’s Hospital
Published: 22/09/2022 11:00Senior Charge Midwife Tracy Stronach welcomed along her fourth grandchild in six years on August 20th, taking time out from her 22-year long career at Dr Gray’s Hospital to be her daughter Sarah’s birthing partner.
Baby Lewis joins siblings Joseph (6), who was also born at Dr Gray’s and Lucy (4), who was born at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, as well as cousin Maisie who was born at Dr Gray’s in the birthing pool nine months ago.
Tracy’s daughter Sarah Johnston has experienced consultant-led births in both Elgin and Aberdeen as well as the midwife-led birth she enjoyed with her new arrival.
Reflecting on her experiences, Sarah explained: “We have enjoyed really good experiences in both Elgin and Aberdeen. I have definitely found it easier having two birthing partners with mum coming along as well, and the midwifery teams have been great. They are so supportive and kind and are definitely the experts when it comes to delivering babies.”
Tracy is thrilled to be a granny once again, having been there for all four births supporting her daughter and daughter-in-law, Shonagh, and is keen to recognise the efforts of her colleagues. She said: “I trust my colleagues 100% to deliver the best care and as a family we are very grateful for the care we have been given.
“As a midwife, seeing families starting out with their babies is the best bit and living in the local area means we are often lucky enough to see these lovely babies growing up.”
Daughter-in-law Shonagh Young commented: "I was looked after by the continuity team throughout my pregnancy, which means you see the same midwife or small team during your antenatal care, birth and postnatal support. Staying in Elgin for my birth and using the birthing pool was exactly what I wanted so I'm really pleased.
“It's amazing Dr Gray's has the pool facilities as I definitely think it helped me stay calm and relaxed during birth. We were also able to share the birth of our little girl by having our mothers present, this was very special.
“Overall, we had such a lovely experience and I am very grateful how kind, accommodating and most importantly caring the midwifery team in Elgin have been".
Tracy began her career in health care as an auxiliary nurse at Dr Gray’s in 2000. Working alongside midwives inspired her to undertake midwifery training which she started in 2005, enjoying placements in a number of local hospitals. She qualified in 2009 and worked at Aberdeen Maternity hospital for nine months before returning to Elgin where she went on to become Senior Charge Midwife in 2016. Tracy now oversees the running of the ward and supports the midwifery team at Dr Gray’s.
Tracy added: “It’s the connection with women as well as colleagues that keeps me going. I love midwifery and I love the team here as everyone is so supportive.
“I think it’s important for local mums to know even if it’s not possible for you to have your baby at Dr Gray’s we’re here to support you postnatally. Babies who need some extra support after birth can come here for transitional care and the team looks forward to welcoming Moray families home for your postnatal support. Support from a midwife is normally available for 10 days following the birth of your baby but can be extended to up to 30 days if additional support is needed.
“It will be great as additional antenatal care services become possible at Dr Gray’s as part of the ongoing planning for future services.”
More information for mums to be in Grampian can be found online at www.birthingrampian.scot.nhs.uk
