"I felt fairly well supported"

During pregnancy I felt fairly well supported. Things were generally explained well to me and I felt cared for.

My only comment would be is that there were no parental classes in the area or any real discussion on what to expect during labour. I feel both of these would have better prepared me as a first time mum. 

Giving birth- I initially felt a bit abandoned and not listened to when I asked for pain relief and got offered paracetamol - I may be mistaken but at the time I had the feeling the midwives didn’t think I could possibly be that far along in my labour - I eventually had to get my husband to fetch someone as I was feeling the need to push. It turned out I was in active labour I just happened to have a very fast labour. Once they realised I felt a lot better supported and got the pain relief I needed. I felt very well supported afterwards. 

I could be wrong as I’m not a midwife but I feel I should have been checked to see how much I was dialated when I asked for pain relief. I feel if they’d checked they would have realised I was in active labour sooner and I might have been better supported. 

The breastfeeding support team has been amazing and really helpful. I am really glad I had the opportunity to go along to the breastfeeding class before I gave birth and the support group has been great for helping me overcome the problems I had initially. I’m sure I would have given up if not for their support.