A Pembrokeshire mum whose twin girls died after being born at 24 weeks has praised the midwives at Withybush Hospital MLU (Midwife Led Unit) for the safe delivery of her little boy.

Keeley Rose, aged 30 from St David’s, gave birth to Tyler four weeks ago, with a little help from community midwives Elspeth Thompson and Julie York.

Born at 38 weeks, Tyler is a bouncing, fit and healthy baby boy and Keeley managed to bring him into the world with the support of her partner Fraser, the midwives, a birthing pool and a little gas and air.

It was a highly emotional birth as in March 2013 Keeley and Fraser lost their twin girls Isla and Harper, who were born prematurely. Isla died at Withybush Hospital shortly after birth and Harper three days later at Singleton Hospital.

“It was a massive shock,” said Keeley. “I’d been having back pains in the day and then had an enormous pain. I rang an ambulance and tried my best not to push but I could feel the babies coming. There was no explanation other than sometimes twins come too early. It’s still obviously painful, but they are part of our lives and we want to remember and talk about them.”

Keeley, who works as a healthcare assistant in the MLU at Withybush Hospital, was under consultant led care for most of her pregnancy with Tyler due to her previous early labour. But she was able to transfer back to midwife led care when she reached full term with her single pregnancy.

“I had to keep an open mind because of my history, but I knew, if at all possible, I wanted to have as natural a birth as possible without needles or drugs and different people prodding me.

“I attended antenatal yoga and learnt about perinatal massage and I took the attitude that it was mind over matter and I wanted to avoid epidurals and drugs.

“Thankfully I was able to have the option of birthing at the MLU once I had reached 37 weeks and because it was a single baby not twins.”

Keeley went into labour at almost 38 weeks. “I came into the MLU and tried to stay as active as possible. It was lush – five star – really comfortable and the midwives were great. Elspeth was really reassuring and made me feel safe and in control. Frazer was allowed to get into the birthing pool with me and having his support meant I didn’t feel alone.”

Tyler was born in the morning but it didn’t stop the couple and midwives celebrating with a glass of bubbly orange to celebrate his birth. And once the family were ready, they were discharged and Tyler was able to spend his first night in the world in his own home.

“The whole experience was wonderful,” said Keeley. “A fresh, happy memory, which we will treasure.

“I would really like to share my experience with others to encourage women to consider birthing in the MLU if they can. I’ve worked in the unit so I’ve seen the wonderful care provided from both perspectives. I would advise other mums-to-be not to be frightened but to speak to their midwife and visit the unit to make an informed decision.

“I would also advise fathers to get involved too. I took for granted a lot of information as I work within the service, but I made a special effort to ensure that Fraser was part of the pregnancy and birth so he came along to appointments and classes all along the way. By doing this, Dads can become an active part of the birth.”

Keeley is now enjoying time with Tyler at home. “Some days I feel like I don’t leave the sofa but it’s all worth it,” she said.