I’m one of those people who needs to have all the details so I really wanted more information that I could take home and refer to. I wish someone had pointed me to the Placenta Accreta Ireland’s resources sooner. You cant tell someone ‘don’t google it’ but not offer them an alternative.

Don’t google it! If you want information, use the resources on the PAI website. Talk to people you trust for support. It can be such an isolating time to have something you and everyone around you has never heard of. Connect with other mums who’ve gone through it already if you can. Ask your consultant or midwife to refer you for psychology support. I did this during my pregnancy and it meant I was already on their radar and I didn’t have to go on a waiting list when I needed this after my surgery. You might not need it, but if it’s lined up just in case, then it’s one less thing to think about later.

Resources for mums: PAI’s Accreta & Me podcast. Personally, listening to the women on the podcast sharing their stories helped me feel less alone. They validated so many of my thoughts and emotions and I knew those woman would get what I was going through in a way no one else could.

Resources for mums, friends and family: The short videos on PAI website. These explain what accreta is and what to expect during your pregnancy and care and its very easy to understand, so you don’t need to keep trying to explain what placenta accreta is, during a time when you’re just trying to get your head around it yourself!

Give it time, but your body will feel stronger. I attended a pelvic health physio which helped me regain some core strength. Once I had that, I started going to a cross-fit style gym class – which felt like jumping in the deep end! I have never done this style of fitness before but it has been life changing. The stronger I get, the more I trust my body and the more confident I feel. My physical recovery and getting stronger has had such a positive and knock on effect to my overall wellbeing. So when you feel ready, move your body. But go easy.  You are not broken and you can do hard things!

I felt so scared, sad and so alone during my pregnancy. I wished it wasn’t happening. I felt guilty for wishing that. But after my pregnancy I felt grateful but I also felt really sorry for myself. I felt like it had changed me in so many ways. I was very insecure for some time after  – I had some difficult post-op complications and I was so worried about something else going wrong. I just didn’t ever want to be on my own. It was hard to ask for that level of support – for someone to always be with me. But I got there, with some patience and time. I don’t have that same level of anxiety now.

Cuddling my children! EMDR and psychology support, exercise and time with family and close friends who were so patient and understanding of how vulnerable and difficult this time was.

Request a private room if this is something you’d feel you need (and don’t worry about sounding like a diva for asking!). Ask if your partner or family member can stay in hospital with you. If you want to breastfeed, ask how to contact the breastfeeding support team in the hospital and request the hospital electric pump. Personally, hand expressing wasn’t getting me anywhere but the electric pump was a game changer. It was really tough going but I’m still feeding my boy now (which feels like a miracle after what my body went through- I know how lucky I am that my body managed to do this). Ask family to bring some good home cooked dinners if you have an extended hospital stay. If you stay far from the hospital, get admitted before your scheduled surgery date. It’s a tough thought and feels like a long time, especially if you have other wee ones at home. But it is the safest thing you can do for yourself and your baby.