A mother who lost 13 litres of blood during childbirth has praised the care teams in south west London who saved her and her baby’s life.
Harriet Paget, 36, was diagnosed with placenta accreta during her pregnancy and admitted to St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, after experiencing bleeding at 30 weeks.
This rare and serious condition causes the placenta to grow too deeply into the womb — Harriet’s had passed through to the uterine wall, making the delivery life-threatening.
She was hospitalised during the latter part of her pregnancy until she gave birth at 35 weeks.
Harriet said: “It can be miserable living out parts of your pregnancy in hospital when you’re away from your family, but the caring teams at St George’s made it bearable.
“During the time I stayed in the hospital, I was filled with gratitude for everyone who cared for me both during my pregnancy and my recovery—and of course to all who were instrumental in saving my life.”
Thanks to a specialist accreta team led by consultant in obstetrics and fetal medicine Ana Pinas, Harriet’s daughter was born in May 2024 via planned c-section.
During the delivery, Harriet lost 13 litres of blood — women typically have around 4.5 litres in their bodies — but the team performed life-saving procedures to keep her alive.
Her daughter was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as she needed immediate breathing support, while Harriet was also taken to intensive care.
They both recovered and went home eight days later.
Harriet added: “When you’re vulnerable like I was, it’s very important that the care you receive makes you feel that things are going to be ok.
“During my pregnancy, I was away from home a lot and that made me so appreciative of how giving NHS workers are.”
She was so touched by the care she received that she gave her daughter the middle name Ana as a tribute to her consultant.
The grateful mum also took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April and raised more than £5,000 for St George’s Hospital charity.
Harriet said: “The care I had at St George’s was incredible—from the consultants to the nurses, to the catering staff.
“The level of care I received has given me a new-found respect.”
Kate Slemeck, managing director at St George’s Hospital, said: “We really welcome hearing from patients about the expert care they’ve received from our clinical and support teams — they go above and beyond for people like Harriet and Lettie every day.”
Consultant Ana Pinas added: “Harriet was one of our most challenging cases to date and proof that good team-work is the key to safe and excellent care for our patients.
“It is an honour to have her little girl named after me — they will always have a special place in my heart.”
Harriet is now urging the public to join her in celebrating their health heroes by nominating them for the gesh CARE Awards.
Now in its second year, the gesh CARE Awards recognise clinical and essential support staff at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh).
