"Antenatal clinic / unplanned c-section / aftercare."

I would like to share some of positive and negative feedback regarding our experience. Firstly we would love to thank Jennifer, our midwife in labour ward, who supported us through a stressful and complicated birth resulting in an unplanned c-section, and her aftercare while in recovery was above and beyond.  

Also to the theatre staff, in particular Roxy who performed the procedure and Kevin the anaesthetist who made me feel so safe in labour ward and theatre (I was terrified of having any form of medication given that I had previous drug allergies, but felt Kevin who took the time to listen to my concerns and explained and reassured myself and partner throughout the process. 

However we had a really unpleasant experience with the antenatal clinic. Having had a straightforward pregnancy and being on the green pathway right through and also planning for community midwife led birth, I found it deeply frustrating having to attend the antenatal clinic at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (AMH). The doctor we were seen by at the clinic on our last visit failed to introduce themselves so we have no idea who they are. Both my partner and I felt our opinions and wishes were completely ignored during this appointment. Their approach was very impersonal and felt like we were being forced to book interventions that weren’t discussed or explained at all and there was no informed consent. After eventually telling us they were going to get a leaflet, they returned with the consultant without informing us this was happening. Our experience in clinic ruined the end of what had been a perfect and happy pregnancy. 

We also feel let down by the level of aftercare from Inverurie Community Maternity Unit (CMU) following the birth of our first baby. Having had complications with my own health after birth, and it being in writing on hospital discharge letter for the community midwife to re-check my blood pressure prior to discharge and to refer to GP for ongoing treatment. This never happened. Which resulted in me having no medication for 2 weeks, and ultimately calling nhs24 and a re-admission to triage for treatment. A hospital admission which likely could have been avoided had appropriate follow up care and prescription been in place. Also, failure to provide adequate information to our health visitor team regarding a 13% weight loss of our baby and re-admission for feeding support, which would be important for them to understand in regards to her development.

Our health visitor services have been brilliant and provided so much more support in relation to feeding and continue to provide excellent care. Anne in particular has been so helpful in the early days following the arrival of our first baby and we are very grateful for her support and communication.