THE FIRST EPISODE of a new series, The Rotunda, aired on RTÉ2 last night.
The series looks to give an insight into Ireland’s oldest maternity hospital, and the stories of the people that walk through its doors every day.
Kay Cramp, a mother of seven who acted as her daughter Nicola’s birthing partner as she welcomed her baby, was a fan favourite last night.
Meet Kay Cramp…#TheRotunda is due tomorrow at 9:30pm pic.twitter.com/XYifAkQ8nQ
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2)
Omg can she be my mam
Isn’t she great#TheRotunda pic.twitter.com/c51kiuc890
— CROSSY (@CrossyTweets)
Some people had their minds made up for them.
Just watched a c section on #TheRotunda
NOPE.
NOT FOR ME.
NO THANK YOU.— Eimear Ní Hula Hoop (@sweatyuncle)
… While one coupled shared the heartbreak of a fetal anomaly, and a nation cried with them.
Despite his short time spent on earth, baby Malachy left a lasting legacy.
For a couple who have received devastating news that their baby has an anomaly to allow a camera crew into their lives is just so brave but so important for people to see the quality of care available in hospitals like #TheRotunda
— Siobhán de Paor (@SiobhandeP)
We need more openness about and understanding for perinatal loss. This is a hard but important topic. Thank you #theRotunda
— Niamh Ní Caiside (@niamhok)
RIP little baby Malachy. Very, very brave of the parents to go on TV. In tears watching it x #TheRotunda
— Eimear (@MissEims)
“When baby doesn’t cry, the silence is profound.” So heartbreaking hearing these parents talk about their child who isn’t expected to live. My beautiful and very tiny nephew lived and died in #TheRotunda and the staff there were beyond kind
— Jennifer O’Connell (@jenoconnell)
Most people are familar with the black and white facts of a fetal anomaly, and have a basic understanding of loss. Watching something like this isn’t particularly unique, with shows like ‘One Born Every Minute’ paving the way for docu-series like this.
Given that this is set in an Irish hospital, in a setting the majority of people are familiar with through their own experience or others, it’s clear that this struck a chord with a lot of viewers.
You can watch the first episode back here – a must-watch when it comes to understanding the gravity of losing a child.
If you were affected by subjects in this article, please refer to the support links below.
We hope everyone enjoyed the programme this evening, but we know it could have been a tough thing to watch if you’re dealing with grief. So, just know we & our colleagues @Alittlelifetime , @anamcarasupport and @feileacain1 are here to help however we can. #TheRotunda pic.twitter.com/dfvT6hI7rQ
— The Rotunda Hospital (@RotundaHospital)
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