John Flynn Hospital became one couple’s home away from home after life threatening complications during pregnancy

A MELBOURNE mother flew to the Gold Coast for a holiday with her partner. She soon found herself battling an illness so bad she wrote a will and a letter to her unborn child. Then a miracle occurred.

Brett Andrew, Amy Mitchell and their newborn, Edwin James Mitchell-Andrew left John Flynn Hospital today after 10 weeks. Picture: Jerad Williams

NINE weeks ago, Amy Mitchell sat down with her partner Brett Andrew to write her will — and a letter to her unborn child.

Ms Mitchell was lying in a bed at John Flynn Private Hospital, 27 weeks pregnant and suffering life threatening complications.

But yesterday Ms Mitchell finally left the hospital’s care, proudly carrying baby Edwin James in her arms.

“The first week was ridiculously daunting, we had our lawyers on the phone redoing our wills for an unborn child, we wrote letters to our unborn child, it was pretty sad stuff,” Ms Mitchell said.

“I had lots of specialty doctors, obstetrics and haematology, balancing out our two lives and keeping us alive.”

Amy Mitchell came to Gold Coast for a 30th birthday party at 28 weeks pregnant and developed a life threatening DVT. Picture: Jerad Williams

The couple’s drama began when they flew to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, looking forward to enjoying a friend’s 40th birthday celebrations in Byron Bay before heading north for an eight-day “babymoon” in Noosa.

But despite being at a stage of her pregnancy when flying is not considered a risk, Ms Mitchell suffered Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), with the blood clot running 30cm up her thigh.

“Everyone was freaked out,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It was weird, I didn’t feel sick, I just felt tight. But I couldn’t walk by the time I got in here (John Flynn Private Hospital). My leg was blue and swollen.”

Amy with her bub Edwin James Mitchell-Andrew. Picture: Jerad Williams

The seriousness of Ms Mitchell’s condition made the couple’s ordeal an emotional as well as a medical rollercoaster. That’s when Ms Mitchell decided to write a letter to her unborn son, and prepare a will.

“The first week we were just upset,” she said.

“I’ve had three emotional breakdowns, one was a seven hour cry that just didn’t stop.

“Being told that they weren’t sure if you were going to make it through after two weeks … things were really serious.”

After weeks of daily needles and blood thinners, Ms Mitchell had a C-section, and on August 8, Edwin James — aka Teddy — was born.

“We are so in love with him, he’s adorable,” Mr Andrew said.

“And the staff at John Flynn have been amazing. We’ve got 40 new aunties and uncles for this little guy … it was like a home birth more than a hospital birth for us. We really felt comfortable here.

“And I was able to stay with Amy, not a lot of places can accommodate that.”

The happy couple with their bub. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ms Mitchell was also blown away by the level of support offered by hospital staff, saying they had become “family”.

“The hospital went above and beyond,” she said.

“They tricked us saying we had an early appointment and organised a baby shower — they baked, and threw us a party.

“We got high fives after Teddy was born. It’s sad to leave.”

Meet Edwin James Mitchell-Andrew. Picture: Jerad Williams

John Flynn Hospital CEO Greg Jenke said he was proud of the staff involved with Ms Mitchell’s care.

“It’s what we’re here for, it’s always gratifying to hear compliments about staff and the hospital,” he said.

“They go about what they do in a very professional way, and the outcome here is what every nurse and doctor everywhere is striving to achieve.

“We get in touch-and-go situations often, but the vast majority come out the other end due to the expertise and professionalism of our staff.

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“The thing about maternity is that it’s always a happy part of the hospital, and this was a bit of a twist in that it was threatened by Amy having DVT. But everyone rallied around the family and I think it made the outcome that much more special, because it was a life-threatening case you don’t like to see any patient in.

“The happy environment was made even happier with them coming back from the brink like they did.”

Ms Mitchell and Mr Andrew are now looking forward to enjoying life as new parents back in Melbourne.

But they intend making sure little Edwin gets to know all about the place where he was born.

“We’re looking for life moving on normally from now,” Ms Mitchell said. “And annual Gold Coast visits.”