"I can't put into words how thankful I am"

When I say midwives and health care professionals deserve to be on 1 million pound wages I truly mean it!

I can't put into words how thankful I am for the kindness shown towards me and care during our labour, birth, after post natal care at Dundee Midwifery Unit and Ninewells labour suit.

From the moment I called to say I had started having contractions, I was on the phone to a lady that was understanding and talked me through next steps. Contractions started coming sooner and tighter and I went for a hot shower, took some paracetamol and waited some more until my husband convinced me that it wasn't a drill and I should call them back. I was a little disappointed to be told during the first call that Arbroath midwifery unit was closed, as I had planned to be closer to home and use the birthing pool. However, on the second call I was asked if I was planning to use the pool and this could be ready for me. I was over the moon and it instantly eased my mind knowing that I could still have the pool option.

On arrival to the midwifery unit, the midwives were instantly welcoming, with smiley welcoming faces, not only welcoming to me, but also my husband. I had another 'show' when asked to do a urine sample and the midwife was able to reassure me and tell me that things looked like first stages of labour. I was continuing to get contractions about every 15 mins and lasting about a minute long. I then went to get ready to be checked over and heard a small pop and strange sensation, my waters had broken within a very short time frame of being there! I got ready to be checked over for dilation, which was explained to me by Becky (Rebecca) the midwife and what it involved, but I didn't have to necessarily have this check. I was happy to see if I was in anyway dilated and it turned out that I was about 6/7cm dilated! It was time to get in the pool.

Becky and Caroline (student midwife - I am so sorry if I spelt your name wrong) helped me get ready for the pool. Becky explained what was happening to my husband and even offered him a cuppy, checking in on him which I found so lovely. When I went into the pool I felt so relaxed and started off using a comb to help with contractions. Becky was very understanding and open minded to my beliefs in hypnobirthing strategies. I then began using gas and air. My husband was able to be in a position where he could offer me this and be involved. I had the option to listen to music and the room was lit up and very calming.

I spent a few hours in the pool and got to full dilation, however, contractions were becoming intense and I was experiencing all my pain in my lower back. My back continued to get worse and I felt like baby was going to come out of my back! The pain unbearable. I spent some time on the bed next to the pool where I started the pushing stage. We were told that baby had a head of hair and he had dark hair. I knew that he was coming but I knew I couldn't keep going much longer like this, as the pain got worse and worse. I began to feel very sick and was sick after contractions, however, Becky and Caroline continued to give reassurance and reminded me to focus on breathing and having a 'floppy face'.

Another lovely midwife (sorry I can't remember your name, very sorry) even got oil and massaged my back to try and ease some of the pressure I was feeling. It became too much though, and Becky and Caroline checked baby's progress. Becky told us that baby was possibly in an awkward position and that's why he was not getting past and out of me. As I had been trying to push for a couple of hours now, progress needed to be seen or I would be seen by a doctor to see where we were at. I tried to push and got to a point where I accepted I needed help. My body was so exhausted and I was experiencing a lot of pain.

I was seen by a doctor and head midwife (sorry I can't remember your names) and they agreed that forceps delivery would be the best option at this stage to get baby out or a c-section. I knew I had tried my best and worked my body to the best it could. Becky and Caroline stayed by my side and reassured me with the doctor that they were certain baby would come with forceps. It felt like an eternity waiting for my spinal and for it to go in.

I want to give a special thank you to the health care assistants and midwifes and other health care professionals that helped with this, as this was a very difficult part of my labour. Mark, I will especially remember as he knew I had it in me to sit up and get the spinal, and this is what allowed me to have it and be in so much less pain to push with the help of the doctor/forceps and baby boy was here with us. Nicola (I'm sure that was your name) was so kind to my husband during this time and every midwife that followed. Rachel, Beth, Bethany and Anna were amazing in our aftercare and helped with breast feeding and giving advice and support.

We can't thank you all enough and my baby will hear all about what amazing people you are! I would definitely recommend giving birth at the Dundee Maternity Unit.

Thank you zillions for everything and letting our baby boy be here safely with us.

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