"The initial experience really marred the whole process"

I was recently admitted to Ward 119 for an induction with my second baby (first baby induced at RIE in 2019). The first 8 hours of the induction (from admission at 12 until shift change over at 8) were incredibly distressing and traumatic.

Firstly, the temperature on the Ward was unbearable- incredibly hot. Many patients mentioned it but when midwives were asked if anything could be done, we were told that it is a hospital and given no further assistance.

Secondly, my consultant advised that induction should not be by way of balloon but proceed straight to pessary. The midwife clearly did not agree with this and had not read my notes where this was stated. They were considering proceeding with the balloon (which I would have refused based on consultant's advice) but luckily decided to proceed with the pessary.

With my first induction by pessary, I was offered gas and air for the procedure. No one mentioned this and insertion was painful.

Within 30 minutes, I was cramping painfully and within 2 hours I couldn't walk I was in so much pain. I tried to walk outside to escape the extreme heat but was unable.

Back in the Ward, I burst into tears at the desk with the discomfort of the heat and pain. No real options were offered, eventually someone brought ice and paracetamol when I began to feel nauseous. It was inferred I was over reacting and the pain couldn't be that bad.

I started to say to my husband that I couldn't stay in the ward anymore, as I felt it was so traumatic being there and I wanted to leave as no one was listening. I also couldn't cope with my husband being sent home while I was abandoned there.

When the pain suddenly ramped up I could see the midwife was sceptical. They eventually read my birth notes from my first child and commented that I had quickly overstimulated on the pessary back then. Finally, a monitor was used which showed I was having regular pains, about 5 in 10 minutes. The pessary was finally removed (again painful and no pain relief offered).

I would be sent to the labour ward assuming my cervix was dilated - by this stage I didn't care as long as I got away from Ward 119 and a different midwife carried out the exam!

Finally a shift change over happened. The new midwives were amazing, giving me an internal exam and offering gas and air for pain relief (which the previous shift had never mentioned was an option for exams). They also listened to me and my concerns.

My labour progressed well under the wonderful care of the labour ward where I was listened to, consulted and not abandoned in pain. My baby was born at midday the next day.

However, the initial experience on Ward 119 really marred the whole process and I couldn't bear to return there after giving birth in case I saw the same midwives.

On Ward 119, I felt dismissed and alone with no interest in my pain, my wellbeing or my baby's. I was treated as a silly child, not a woman approaching her second birth.

On Ward 119, It was expected I should quietly suffer and do as I was told. When my husband tried to advocate for me, he got the same response - thank goodness for the shift change or I don't know what would have happened!

I was left confused and in agony whilst vulnerable and scared. I intend to ask for a debrief of this section of my labour.