"I am very very grateful for the care and support"

I gave birth to my second daughter in the Lothian Birth Centre.

What was good? 

- I felt my midwives were attentive and caring throughout labour. I felt listened to and respected throughout. 

- They were extremely responsive to any needs I had - in pain? Offered a pain killers. too hot? They sourced a fan and ice packs. Uncomfortable? Lots of helpful suggestions of different positions for comfort.

- My daughter came out with the cord around her neck and an emergency call was put out. In spite of this being an emergency situation the atmosphere remained calm and efficient. They were reassuring to me and my husband. Thankfully my baby was ok and cried without the need for any resuscitation. 

- Post natally I felt so so looked after. I was able to sleep in a single room in the birth centre. There were lots of thoughtful points like the health care support workers bringing my breakfast a bit later so that I could sleep for a few hours.

- I struggled with latch and breastfeeding initially and the midwives all provided me with their time and support to help me. 

- My discharge was organised in a timely and efficient manner. 

- Special shout out to midwife Eilidh and student midwife Rosie who helped me deliver. I would not have been able to do it without them. 

What could have been done better?

- My daughter is tongue tied and it's possible this is contributing to the latch being tricky. I was told in the birth centre there were no NHS options for referral for consideration of getting it cut. I have since found out from the community midwife team that there is an NHS Clinic and that referral has been sent. It may be worth the staff updating their knowledge on referral pathways.

Overall though, a really wonderful experience in Lothian Birth Centre and I am very very grateful for the care and support.