"Setting us up for success before and after our baby arrived"

I was admitted to Paisley RAH during early stages of labour after baby’s trace was a concern. I was hoping to labour naturally and this happened on the same day I was admitted to the pre and post natal ward and I believe the great level of care we received helped massively with our whole experience. Our midwife in the ward was called Julie and she was absolutely exceptional.

From the moment we came into the ward she reassured me that things would be ok and I could get through this. She helped me with my contractions and checking on me when my husband left to get some food so I did not feel alone. Any questions I had were answered and I was always made to feel like nothing was too silly and she was very clear during a time of chaos for me. 

When it came to my physical exam she confirmed I could be admitted to the labour ward and I was so happy. She was very professional during this exam and made me feel so comfortable - not very easy to do in the middle of contractions and 5cm dilated! I wanted to walk to the labour ward and she came with us every step of the way, no matter how slow I was walking. 

I was so relieved when the next day I was admitted to post-natal to find Julie was there again. She checked on me and congratulated me and I felt so happy seeing her again. She looked over me and took the time to help me with changing and cleaning (I experienced a tear and had been in theatre so it was difficult). If I could have had her sit in my room all day I would have, she was so reassuring and had the best patient care I’ve ever known. My husband also benefited from Julie’s attention to detail and equally felt so unbelievably happy with the level of care we all experienced. I wish every new mother and new family could experience Julie’s care as it made the whole experience so enjoyable. 

We are looking back on our birth and have the best memories and so much of this is because of the level of care we experienced with Julie setting us up for success both before and after our baby arrived. I would love it if we are fortunate enough to go on and have more children we get to experience Julie’s care again.