In my job as a journalist, we are often accused of only reporting the bad news. The newspapers are full of doom and gloom, people say, and the everyday good is overlooked. 

For example, the chief executives of the ferry companies could well complain that the County Press only writes articles on days when there are cancellations or delays, not on the days when everything is, excuse the pun, smooth sailing.

The council could be miffed at the floating bridge criticism, but the lack of praise for the successful shake up of St Mary’s roundabout. 

My response to this criticism has always been the same — when things go right, it’s not news. “Plane lands safely at Heathrow” is not a headline that would catch many eyes, and services shouldn’t be commended for behaving as they are supposed to.

Imogen TewImogen Tew (Image: Imogen Tew)

However, I’m going to break this rule for today’s column, and use this space to shout from the rooftops about something that is not only working as it should, but going above and beyond for families on the Island: St Mary’s maternity unit.

Eight weeks ago, I was lucky enough to celebrate the safe arrival of my first child, a little boy weighing nearly 9lb. Like most pregnancies and births, there were challenges, but I was supported at every hurdle. 

When I went into hospital worried about reduced foetal movements, only for the baby to make me look a fool by kicking the midwife’s hand with Harry Kane-esque precision the moment she touched my stomach, I wasn’t made to feel like I had overreacted or wasted anyone’s time (although, looking back, both were true).

Instead, I was encouraged to come back the second I felt anxious again.

When I ended up having a Caesarean, despite hoping for a different birth, those in the operating theatre made sure it was a special experience and that the birth was as close to my “plan” as possible.

And when I was exhausted and emotional 40 hours after surgery and my son was struggling to feed, one particular midwife spent her entire night shift next to me, helping me get some colostrum (the early stages of breast milk) to feed my now very hungry and upset baby.

She wouldn’t let me give up on breastfeeding, and worked with me through different positions and techniques.

Even after I left the hospital, I found the high quality of care remarkable.

Liz, from the one-woman infant feeding team, even called me on the first day my husband went back to work, simply to check that I was holding up without the extra set of hands.

You hear lots of horror stories about the NHS - especially involving women’s health - and I know many women around the country are less fortunate when it comes to their experiences.

In what is an emotionally fraught and painful time, I can’t imagine what it must be like to then feel let down by those who are caring for you.

So thank you, St Mary’s, and a big thank you to my midwife, Rosie, for leaving me with only good memories of the most special day of my life so far. We are in good hands.