"Birthing and post birth care"

I arrived with my partner at Ninewells Midwifery Unity after contractions started earlier that morning, Laura (midwife) examined me on arrival as my waters had gone, she gave me pain relief when requested at around 12 noon as the contractions ramped up and then she gave me a cervical exam as I wanted to know how far along my labour was and I honestly thought I would be getting sent home as I wasn’t far enough along but I was 3/4cm dilated.

I then was offered gas and air which I took to help manage the pain of the contractions and then I got into the birthing pool which was part of my birthing plan so I am so glad I got to experience this!

My little boy was born in the birthing pool which the help of Laura and Abbey getting me through. The birth experience was amazing, so precious, and I am extremely happy with how that all turned out. We had our own music, which just adds to the memories. 

After getting out the birthing pool and passing my placenta again with support from Laura all was looking well and then she wasn’t able to see clearly where stitches were needed so had to take me to another room to place me on stirrups.

When getting onto a wheelchair from the bed, standing up a lot of blood came away and went onto floor and all over my gown etc.  My partner was left in the room with our boy doing skin to skin whilst I was taken through to be stitched across the corridor. On the stirrups I was still losing blood so they took me to surgery and due to blood loss I ended up under general anaesthetic and operated on - I had a tear in my cervix and the bleeding wouldn’t stop so I had a balloon fitted, packing and a catheter. 

I was then taken to the Labour ward to see my baby boy and my partner who had been alone and questioning what was going on for 4 hours with a newborn in his arms. Morag/Caitlin who cared for me on the labour ward were both amazing, they helped my partner dress and change our little boy and showed him how to do it whilst I wasn’t able. They gave the best care and advice so I am so grateful after my traumatic experience! 

Then I was moved to Ward 38 North postnatal after I had had the balloon, packing and catheter taken out and again we received amazing care from Amy/Hannah and another midwife who I can’t remembers name but they were all fabulous. Unfortunately I had a bit of a time of it whilst trying to breastfeed - an infant feeding specialist was trying her hardest to help me with breastfeeding but 3 nights of barely any sleep and a baby who was struggling to latch it just wasn’t working. I felt pressured and it was overwhelming so I did have to say to a different midwife can we have a bottle please because breastfeeding is too much and I feel like I’m being forced to keep it going but my baby needs fed and I need rest! 

Overall I am so grateful and extremely thankful for all of the care and support we received as a family from start to finish. I am now waiting for my 6 week debrief from a consultant to find out full details of what happened and what my likelihood of a successful future pregnancy and birth would look like. 

Also my midwife in Perth, Lorna, was amazing throughout! Jessica, Moira and Lorna who visited my house on day 4, 6 and 9 were amazing! Thank you all