"It was overall a positive experience"

Induction of Labour for 4th Baby.  Was a positive experience.  Had been asked to attend at 8:30am however workload in maternity was such they could not accommodate us. Phoned back at 12pm to be told the same thing so had given up hope for it going ahead that day.

Maternity unit offered us a CTG to check on baby as we had had reduced fetal movements that afternoon which was reassuring.  We then got a phone call around 4:30pm to attend at 6pm to commence induction, which we did.  Induction was commenced at approx 2145 eventually and we were told someone would be back to re-examine me in 6 hours, however this did not happen and again, unfortunately due to workload this didn’t happen until around 12:30pm the next day.  

Although frustrating there was nothing happening in terms of labour, however I felt that if it had been I would have been attended to.

I started contracting around about this time and was offered a sweep which I accepted. I was told I would be re-examined again in a couple of hours, which I was.  The midwife was then able to break my waters around about 1630.  From then my labour progressed very quickly with the safe delivery of my baby.

The midwives looking after us during delivery were brilliant.  Allowing me and my partner to do what felt right whilst also coaching us where necessary. They asked the doctor for help during delivery as baby was getting distressed and this was done swiftly and without panic.  

It was overall a positive experience even with the hold up in the process, we were communicated with at all times and staff were friendly and approachable. They even allowed us to go home quickly following delivery  at our request which we really appreciated and made sure everything was sorted for this in a timely fashion.

We are very grateful to everyone involved in our care and the safe arrival of our baby girl.