"Reassuringly supportive team helped during birthing experience"

I went in for a planned section last year as baby was measuring big. The section went almost to plan but while in recovery I started haemorrhaging and the team sprang into action. Everyone remained calm and it was clear they all knew what they needed to do. It was a scary situation but the team were great and did exactly what they needed to do.

I remained in hospital for a couple of days and almost every member of the team that supported me during the birth/after birth, visited at different points to check up on me and they were all able to offer me really clear explanations of what happened. The care shown was second to none. I was looked after by a large team of people during my stay and had only one negative experience with a member of staff. Other than that everyone was so professional and supportive, so thank you! It was not how I imagined my birthing experience would be but I appreciate there was no way of knowing that it would happen until it happened! The debrief conversation a couple of months later really helped also, and the consultant was really informative and helped to answer all my questions.

Aside from my birth drama, the support around breastfeeding has been great. From speaking to friends in other health boards it seems like breastfeeding support is a bit of a postcode lottery but I feel Forth Valley have it spot on. The nursery nurses in hospital were amazing and knowledgeable and supported me with breastfeeding and support with baby! What an invaluable team of skilled professionals. After leaving hospital, I was able to access the breastfeeding clinic and this continued to provide the support I needed during those early weeks. I also had check ins with the breastfeeding network. The early days were tough but I am so thankful I had the support as I’m still breastfeeding 8 months later! I know I would not have been able to continue breastfeeding if I didn’t have this support.

A big thank you to everyone involved in my care! Thanks to you all, myself and baby are thriving. I really do wish I could name everyone to truly show my appreciation!