Couple Plans to Cross Border for Future Births
Becky and Huw have decided they would go across the border to England if they expect another baby in the future.
A 25-year-old woman from Pwllheli says she would never consider giving birth to a baby again in North Wales after experiencing what she describes as a "horrific" experience at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
A national assessment published on Wednesday highlighted "vulnerabilities and key deficiencies" in maternity services across Wales.
Becky Hughes shared her experiences and response to the assessment's recommendations with BBC Cymru Fyw.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board expressed their "deep sympathy" for Becky and her partner Huw.
They stated that a "thorough clinical review was conducted, and all direct actions identified following this incident were completed."
'Worst Experience Ever'
Everything had been fine during her pregnancy until the final weeks.
At 35 weeks pregnant, there was concern that her baby boy had stopped growing, and she was monitored daily.
In November 2024, the family received news no prospective parent wants to hear.
Becky also feels they did not receive enough support as a couple following the loss.
"I found out when I was 37 and a half weeks that Twm had died in the womb. They failed to find his heartbeat," she said.
"They induced me and sent me home on the first of November, and I had to go back on the third to give birth to him.
"It was supposed to be a happy experience but it was the worst experience ever. It was honestly horrific.
"I was going in every day in the two weeks before he was born, and he just wasn’t moving the same – and they said he was just a quiet baby.
"I was going home then doubting myself – thinking I should go in and so on. I went after hesitating and then found out he had gone.
"They didn’t listen to me so I didn’t have much faith in them after the birth."
'Vulnerabilities and Key Deficiencies' in Maternity Services - Assessment
'The same mistakes continue to happen in maternity care'
'My son would have lived without hospital care failures'
A post-mortem examination noted there were no problems with Twm Glyn Owen's organs and that he died from lack of oxygen.
Becky added:
"We went back for the post-mortem and they admitted they had induced me when he stopped growing – when I was 36 weeks.
"I asked if he would still be here with us if they hadn’t done that, and they just nodded and said 'maybe'."
'No Aftercare at All'
She also feels they did not receive sufficient support as a couple after the loss.
"There was no aftercare at all available. Twice I received a call from the bereavement midwife, and they are supposed to support us the most, I think.
"The other thing was the language they used. When we were sent home after Twm’s birth and wanted to go back to see him, we had to phone an hour earlier.
"I remember them telling my partner Huw on the phone that they wanted to get him out of the mortuary.
"That was enough to break our hearts because that little creature wasn’t supposed to be there.
"The only thing that was needed was for us to have him ready for us.
"It was trauma for Huw too, but he hasn’t been offered any counselling."
A post-mortem examination noted there were no problems with Twm's organs and that he died from lack of oxygen.
In response to Becky's concerns, Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, said she was "deeply sympathetic to Miss Hughes and her partner for losing baby Twm."
She added:
"We recognize and acknowledge how traumatic it is for families to lose a child in such circumstances.
"A thorough clinical review was conducted, and all direct actions identified following this incident were completed.
"Bereavement support was offered and provided. We acknowledge that individual experiences of this specialist care can vary and we take all concerns raised about this, or general maternity care, seriously."
'Little Twm Is Still Here'
Meanwhile, with the national assessment of maternity services noting that over 500 recommendations have already been made over the past 10 years, the panel – led by former Children’s Commissioner Professor Sally Holland – has focused on eight priority areas this time.
The Welsh Government has accepted the recommendations – seven fully and one partially – and a three-year programme will look at improving services.
Although Becky agrees with the recommendations, she fears nothing will change.
"These things are supposed to be daily matters – they are supposed to do their work, providing the highest standard of care every day," she said.
"Regarding continuity – I never saw the same consultant. I had another time when notes from someone else had been written in my book. They need to improve things.
"Also listen to mothers’ voices – don’t ignore things. They only did that to me, little Twm is still here."
'Decided to Go Across the Border'
The couple’s concerns have led them to consider where they would want to go if they expect another baby in the future.
"We have decided to go across the border to Liverpool next time, hopefully," said Becky.
"It’s always at the back of my mind why should we have to go so far?"
"But regarding the mental health of both of us, I think the best thing would be to go two hours away to get the care someone is supposed to get every day."
