"The birth of my first daughter was a positive experience"

In mid-February I had my baby at Dr Grays hospital in Elgin. I had an incredibly positive experience. Although I had a very long labour my choices and wishes were all listened to and the midwives did everything they could to ensure I had my baby in Elgin which is what I really wanted.

The midwives were extremely passionate about what they do, they made sure to look after my partner during the process as well. I had a student midwife present at my birth who used her experience of having children to support me. They all made me feel so empowered and I’m eternally grateful for the experience I had.

Postnatal care was amazing, I had lots breastfeeding support whilst in hospital and then 2 weeks after my baby was born. The midwife who specialises in breastfeeding spent two hours with me giving me advice on positioning and how to optimise feeds to ensure my daughter could gain weight effectively.

Being a first time mum is very daunting and I could not have asked for better care and support then what I had and continue to receive. It is clear the midwives at Dr Grays are incredibly knowledgeable and are passionate about what they do. I did not feel like just another patient as I was catered to very individually. I was able to have my partner in hospital with me as long as I needed which also added to my positive experience.

Throughout my labour the midwives were very clear at explaining what was happening and explaining what they wanted to do and why, which made me feel at ease. They ensured I was happy with anything they did before doing it.

I was very close to being transferred as I had been pushing for a long time due to my daughter being slightly back to back. The midwives were very proactive and had an ambulance ready as well as informing Inverness of the progress of labour as I had been pushing for so long. I was able to deliver my baby before the transfer was needed but it was clear that the midwives considered all possible options to ensure baby arrived safely.