"Pre and Post Natal Experience"

I've been fortunate to have 3 girls, all born in Tayside at Ninewells. My prenatal care has mostly been at St Margaret's and in PRI. With all 3 pregnancies I have always been impressed with the level of care and compassion from the midwife team.

This was particularly important in my 3rd pregnancy after suffering with PND following the birth of my 2nd child during the first lockdown in 2020, I found myself suffering Prenatal depression and severe anxiety 4 months into my 3rd pregnancy. I sought help immediately and was quickly referred to the hub in Crieff and then psychology services in Perth. The speed and actions of the mental health support that I received has meant that I have been able to avoid PND after the the birth of my 3rd child in June this year.

My first 2 births were both induction at Ninewells labour suite and my 3rd birth was in the midwife led unit at Ninewells. All delivery teams were exceptional, however I did much prefer the relaxed and calming environment in the midwife led unit. My recovery was the best there and I felt more at ease in this setting compared to the main hospital.

I always find the midwife visits post birth very helpful and comforting no matter how many babies you've had. At present it does feel that the health visiting service is very stretched, with calls going unanswered for days and visits very few. The approach between different health visitors can be very inconsistent also.

For my 3rd pregnancy, I used the birth reflection service which I found very insightful and gave me great closure on my recent birth. It would be great to see this service publicised more as I only found out about it through a chance conversation from one of my midwife visits. Overall my experience in Tayside has been very positive and I thank all the teams for their continued care to our family.