"Positive elective section"

I wish to share our positive experience  at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital following a planned elective section during the birth of our daughter at the end of August

The care we received during our pre operative assessment, during the procedure and thereafter in the short time within the recovery department was second to none. Our care was totally personal and we were made to feel individually and as a family very well taken care of. The nurture, kindness, time and professionalism that the staff showed us is one that we will will never forget.

appreciate that busy acute settings are often run and responded to on a needs basis approach but the staff looking after us couldn’t have been more attentive, kind and empowering. They took the time to get to know us; our medical history and the birth of our daughter was entirely personal to us and our individual needs.

An elective section was not by any means our first choice but the staff made us feel empowered in the context of choice and adhered to our wishes during the procedure which created a gentle environment whereby I felt in control and in totally capable and safe hands. We couldn’t have asked for a more positive birthing experience and truly feel that as a new mum, those members of staff ensured we got off to the best start.Our postnatal journey has truly reflected that and there aren’t words to truly convey our thanks.

A very special and heartfelt thanks to Sarah the anaesthetist, Sarah the obstetrics surgeon and Vicky, the midwife during procedure. Those members of staff are so passionate in what they do and at no point did we feel like another number coming through the door and leaving. They went over and above to explain in detail every part of our procedure, giving us time to ask questions and seek reassurance when required.

They work tirelessly to ensure that those initial early moments with your family are as nurturing and calm as truly possible. There was no point where we as a family felt anything was artificial or rushed. We very much appreciated our theatre team (both Sarahs) coming to visit us in the postnatal ward thereafter and their genuine interest in our recovery and check in, only added to an already personable and positive experience. We are eternally grateful.