"I felt supported and listened to"

I had been getting monitored every few days due to high blood pressure in the later months of my pregnancy, and I spent a lot of time in the Daycare unit at the QEUH. I had the pleasure of meeting several lovely midwives, but most of the time I was there I was seen by Fiona who seemed like a friend by the last appointment. I felt so supported and listened to during my times at daycare, and I thank all the staff for this. 

Following a routine appointment, I was told I was now being induced and was moved to the labour observation suite and then up to the labour ward for the induction to begin. I had a slight issue with the support given during my induction but this has been fed back to the ward. With the exception of this, the staff were all so kind and reassuring. There was a health care support worker on night shift, I think her name might have been Marie, and she was so sweet. I couldn’t sleep due to discomfort and she went out of her way to check if I needed anything and stopped for a chat when she was able to. 

When it came to delivering my baby, I was moved down to the delivery suite and my baby arrived just 15 minutes later. The support and care that I had in the delivery suite was second to none. Kimberley and Pamela made me feel so empowered and in control, and they couldn’t have been more incredible - especially following a slightly negative experience earlier in the day. I cannot thank these two ladies enough for the way they spoke to me and looked after me, it makes me emotional thinking about what an incredible experience I had in the delivery suite. I feel so lucky to have been supported by Kimberley and Pamela who made the delivery of my baby feel so calm and relaxed. Kimberley stayed with me after the birth and helped me get ready for my first shower which was amazing! I will never be able to thank these two ladies in particular for the way they helped me, my partner and also our baby. 

After my birth, I was moved to the post natal ward where I was predominantly looked after by a midwife called Nicola. She was so kind and supportive throughout my stay on the ward, and I felt comfortable asking for help when needed. I had a lot of bleeding and Nicola helped me feel calm and informed about what the plan would be going forward. 

I later had another trip to the labour observation suite, and the two ladies who looked after me were hilarious! I can’t remember their names unfortunately, but I felt so relaxed whilst there and I thank them for that. I believe one lady was called Thoca, but apologies if that’s not correct! 

Thank you so much to all the staff, the domestic staff, catering staff, health care support workers, midwives, specialists and doctors for all of the care whilst I was giving birth and the time afterwards.