"Such a special experience"

I had my second son at University Hospital Wishaw last week, and I had such a special experience.

I was induced initially in an attempt at a VBAC birth. The midwives and student midwives on Ward 23 were absolutely fantastic. A Cook's balloon was inserted, but when that didn't work for me (I didn't dilate enough for my waters to be broken), the midwife looking after me—whose first name I can't remember—was so kind in speaking about an unplanned c-section. She really helped me transition my mindset from one birth plan to another. She was also so considerate when examining me, offering me Entonox and further numbing gels to make me more comfortable.

When the decision was made to go for a c-section, my husband and I were looked after by a midwife called Jen and her student, Keren. Jen and Keren were so unbelievably kind and really made our experience so special. Jen was so excited for me to meet my baby and made going for an unplanned c-section feel like it was always meant to be. I told her I wanted a gentle c-section, and she made sure the drapes could be dropped when my son was born so I could see him. When she offered my husband tea, a teapot with cups and biscuits arrived on a platter! When it was time to go to theatre, she had a very calming influence on me and explained the process so well. I was delighted she was going to be at the birth too.

The anaesthetist, Jemma, was also incredible. She explained everything so well and made sure I felt no pain. She was so cheery and even took our photos when my son was born. When I was brought back to the theatre recovery bay, a midwife called Jane looked after me, making sure I had anti-sickness medication and giving me a bed bath. She changed me into a clean nightdress and made me feel so much better. This is also where I got my tea and toast!

I was then transferred to Ward 22 for postnatal care, which was second to none! My son needed to go to the NICU for a few hours, and I was kept updated and wheeled around to be with him. A midwife called Louise really went above and beyond for me when it became apparent I would need to be recatheterised. She made sure I had lidocaine to numb the area as best as possible since I was very sore. Then, as I would need to stay in hospital longer, Louise moved me to a huge side room—it was like a hotel.

The student midwives on Ward 22 were fantastic, especially Iona, who looked after us so well.

Over the next two days, every member of staff I interacted with was absolutely fantastic: physiotherapists, midwives, HCSWs, domestics, the feeding team (Alison), paediatricians, and medical students.

I was sad to leave the hospital when we were given the green light for discharge, and I've thought of my experience often since coming home.

My birth with my first child (in a different hospital) was very traumatic for several reasons, but my experience of birth this time at UHW was actually so healing.

I could not recommend UHW and the maternity service enough. The memories of last week will stay with me for life. A huge thank you from my new family of four!