"I felt superbly cared for throughout my pregnancy, labour and birth"

I was in BGH for four days and nights - a night of induction, a night of labour, and two nights following the birth of my baby. I then spent a further three nights on ward 16 the week after discharge, when my section wound had become infected and I chose to return for some support in managing it.

The fact I chose to stay again the following week (I didn't need to, clinically) is testament to how well cared for I felt. During my pregnancy I was sincerely worried about being on a ward, but my worries were completely dispelled by the staff on ward 16. I received outstanding care from them, but in particular - 

Christina, who was the first face I saw at induction, was so kind and calm and checked in with me throughout - even when others had taken over my care. 

Lynsey saw my baby safely into the world in theatre and kept us right on his first day; and then greeted me with such compassion and kindness when I checked back into the ward the following week.

Clare saw me through the first two tricky nights with a newborn and looked after him to give me a few hours of sleep (and made the best toast of everyone)!

Laura taught us everything we needed to know in the first couple of days and was so so reassuring - and spotted when I was struggling at a follow up appointment with someone else and chased me down the corridor to check on me! And Nicole held my hand that same day when I was upset and things got difficult with my wound. 

The anaesthetics team were incredible. Sam did my epidural and had first class bedside manner and chat - he really lifted me when I was fading and not feeling particularly well heard. I was pretty terrified of an epidural but he made the whole thing seamless and (somehow!) entertaining. And Giorgi supported my section and was so reassuring by my side throughout.

Some of the other doctors I had were lacking in bedside manner and confidence unfortunately, but Dr Howitt and Dr Magowan carried the medical team for me and made up for it by being patient, consistent and generous in every interaction. I had total confidence whenever they walked into the room. 

Having had a great IVF experience at Edinburgh, I was worried about my care transferring to BGH, but I needn't have been. I felt superbly cared for throughout my pregnancy, labour and birth - and really feel like I benefitted from being in a hospital without the same intense pressures as those at Edinburgh. I was given so much time by everyone and I wouldn't hesitate in returning. 

Thank you!