"Giving birth"

I gave birth in  December 24 in the labour ward at the royal infirmary of Edinburgh. 

Collette was the midwife who was with me during my delivery. From greeting me on arrival to the labour ward to the birth of my baby, she was extremely supportive and reassuring and ensured the safe delivery of my baby.

Collette listened to my needs and wants and advocated for me throughout my delivery. She was excellent and letting me know what hospital policy was, what her advice (and her charge midwife’s advice) was but made sure that I knew the decision was mine and that she’d support whatever decision I made.

I wanted to birth my baby naturally without any medication and I said I would ask for what I wanted if needed. She fully respected this and made sure I was aware of my medicinal options as well as alternatives which might help relax me (music, aromatherapy etc).

Collette had a very calming nature, even when I was pushing/the baby was crowing and I was in pain/not certain I could do it she was amazing at keeping me calm and reminding me I could do it and that everything was progressing exactly as they’d expect for me giving birth.

After birth, I had to go into surgery to be stitched and Collette was with me until the shift change, she let me hold her hands while getting the spinal injection, spoke to me throughout it to keep me distracted and then brought my husband and baby in to see me once I was prepped for surgery. She even got a photo of my husband and baby together!

I was extremely glad and so grateful to have had Collette as my midwife and I honestly believe she helped me achieve the unmedicated, natural birth that I desperately wanted. I dont think I could’ve done it without her!

She ensured that my baby was settled onto my chest and then I got to keep him there while Collette and the other midwife (Hannah) checked me over and worked on getting my placenta out and to control my bleeding.  

Collette helped me to have the birth I wanted which was very healing after my first traumatic birth. She is a credit to the NHS and midwives and I hope she is recognised for the amazing work she is doing. 

Throughout my labour, a study midwife Hannah was present too and she was also really encouraging and supporting. Another midwife Hannah came in to cover a break just as my baby was coming out and so she ended up staying and helping out, she was very thorough and attentive while checking me for tears and proactive at managing my bleeding.