"Maternity services"

My son was born 8 weeks ago via Elective C-section and I felt I had to tell my story.

We found out he was Frank breech at 38 weeks and had an ECV the following day. The Midwife and student paramedic on duty (I'm so sorry I can't remember the names) were fantastic and so reassuring to both me and my husband during the somewhat distressing procedure, as was the Registrar carrying it out. I honestly couldn't have made it through without their support and kind words.

Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful so we were booked in for an Elective section the following week.

Arriving the morning of, we were greeted by my Midwife and Student MCW who were lovely. Both very bubbly and kept the mood light and cheery. This helped settle the nerves of the impending surgery. The theatre team(Anaesthetists, OPDs etc) and recovery team were outstanding, they made what was a very emotional and nerve wracking experience the most perfect day of my life and if I had to go through it all again, I would in a heartbeat just because of them!

We were transferred to the Postnatal Ward, ward 22, a few hours later. This was a very different experience I have to say. The ward was very busy and the staff seemed very stretched. We barely seen any midwifes during our stay and it only seemed to be students that were taking care of us.

Both Me and my husband work for the NHS and felt like we were very much being avoided. There were certain comments made by staff that made it very clear that our profession was being passed over at each handover, which was very upsetting as it was made out to be that the staff didn't have to explain things as I was a professional (this was said to me) and felt I knew how to care for a baby, which indeed is not the case- I am a first time mum who works in the adult sector.

I was told in the morning that they were happy for me to be discharged at 10.30, despite my son not feeding. My son had trouble with his latch and trying to breastfeed him was stressful, but no advice or help was offered until I declined to go home due to it.

My husband had to change my bedsheets and my sons cot sheets when he came in for a visit as no one had been round, despite me asking for someone to do it. These are Just a few things that stand out, among other things..

At this point, I decided to take my son home and accept the discharge as I felt I would be better cared for in my own home by my husband as he was doing it in hospital anyway.

As I have previously stated, we both work for the NHS so 100% understand the pressures and staff shortages at the minute, but to made to feel the way we did was unacceptable. If it weren't for the amazing experience the theatre team gave, my sons birth would've been a very different experience for us.