From the group, there were 6 of us who went to the maternity hospital. When I was on my way there, I didn't really know what to expect. We took some suitcases full of baby clothes and woollen blankets. First we got on our white gowns and our lovely white shoe covers. We each brought a few blankets and some baby clothes. The first thing we did was went to the specialized baby unit. This was quite a shock to me, as there is no way you would be allowed to enter one of these at home.

We then headed upstairs to see some of the mothers, this was the part that shocked me most. About 50% of the mothers were either my age, or younger. These mothers had very little and were very appreciative of the baby clothes we gave them, although some tended to grab and pull at the things you had in your hand. This I understood when the nurse explained to us, that the clothes we give these women would probably be the only clothes the baby will have for the first 2 years of its life.

Next we headed to the birth room, where we saw a woman in labour. She was having her 4th child, at the age of 18. I was also surprised that she hadn't been given any pain relief, she just had a wet cloth in her mouth, to act as a comfort. This was almost enough to put you off having children, for life!!!

The nurse in charge of the ward explained to us that she was paid approximately 60 per month, she was very shocked when we told her what a nurse in Northern Ireland would earn for the same job per month. She also told us that she worked very long hard hours.

We finished off our trip by going to the ward for abandoned babies. There were a total of 110 babies in the hospital, 25 of which were abandoned. As we nursed the babies, we found it very upsetting and difficult to understand, that the mothers of these children, just didn't want them. These mothers were even prepared, just to send their babies in a cardboard box, in a taxi, to the maternity hospital, not knowing or caring what happened to it after that. We also left some clothes for these babies.

I really enjoyed my trip to the maternity hospital. For me it really highlighted the differences between our society and Romanian society. I feel that it is important that we help this hospital as much as we can, as the nurses there are doing very good work. I've already bought my baby hats to send out next year!!