"They have made me feel safe and cared for"

I wanted to share the positive experience I have had with NHS Lanarkshire staff during my pregnancy, my hospital stay at UHW for the birth of my child, and postpartum care.

My initial contact was with my midwife Paula at Lanark. Paula and her colleagues were excellent taking time to listen and answer any questions I had throughout my first pregnancy and I never felt rushed at my appointments. As an older mother, there were some risks and anxieties but Paula was so kind and reassuring, and continued to be generous with her time during visits to my home after the birth of my child.

Through Paula I was referred to two support services during pregnancy - Healthy Lifestyles and MNPI. The Healthy Lifestyles team (Alicia, Heather and Margaret) provided a safe and non-judgmental place to monitor my weight and diet during my pregnancy - they couldn’t have been more welcoming and encouraging.

I was referred to the MNPI team, specifically, Alana, after noting some anxiety around childbirth. Alana’s support was amazing and I had the opportunity to have a tour of the maternity ward and theatre, which reduced my anxiety significantly. So much of my pregnancy anxiety was around the unknown, so having someone to ask questions and explore options was such a relief.

Alana helped me to write my birth plan and this not only helped me but gave my husband confidence that my wishes were recorded and he could advocate for me.

Ultimately I ended up having an elective c-section and again the care was amazing. From the ward staff, anaesthetist, surgery team and consultant - every single person was attentive and caring and I didn’t feel like just another number - the birth of my child was made to feel like an important and special day.

My birth experience was calm and I felt informed about the procedures being done to me and baby, and this was really important as previous experience in hospitals meant that I was worried about poor communication. My stay in hospital was also excellent, with all staff being accommodating despite the fact they were clearly very busy.

Since returning home, we have been supported by HV, Laura, based in Carluke who again has gone above and beyond to provide support - from referring our baby to get jaundice check to be on safe side, to being a kind listening-ear and offering advice during these first few sleep-deprived weeks!

Finally, we have benefited from the breastfeeding team’s support who have visited our home and offered guidance, including conducting a tongue tie assessment and procedure for our baby.

Every single person we have encountered has been friendly, understanding and offered non-judgemental information in a clear manner, and as a result they and have made me feel safe and cared for during what can be a stressful and anxious time. Thank you.