"My daughter is here and safe and healthy"

I gave birth to my daughter recently in the Queen Elizabeth Glasgow. Apologies if I have some names wrong or have forgotten anyone who I encountered but I wanted to pass on my thanks. I was seen on the induction ward for a balloon induction and was given a warm and friendly welcome by HCSW Jude. Stacey and pam were so kind and professional, put me at ease for an uncomfortable procedure and asked me for my consent at every opportunity.

I returned to the ward the following day and stayed there until a space on labour ward was available. All the staff were really reassuring and kind to both me and my husband, I was really glad that Stacey had taken an extra shift so there was a familiar face.

When I was moved down to labour ward I met Coco and Lucy who introduced themselves and explained what would be happening. Again, every care was taken to make me feel relaxed and supported. I was give the option to say no to examinations and never felt pressured into any decisions. My husband was included in conversations too.

Coco (with support from Lucy and other midwives) helped the time pass, kept the mood light and I felt really safe in their care.

Unfortunately, my pain became an issue despite an epidural and support from the anaesthetic team, who were also incredibly kind and explained everything to me (apologies, this is where names become foggy? Rob and Cristina and their anaesthetic assistants).

A doctor, David, came to discuss options with us and was incredibly kind and very calm and reassuring. He also performed my c section.

All the staff in the theatre were again extremely supportive to me and my husband, kept the mood light and the energy happy and I felt I was in very safe and experienced hands.

When I went to recovery the midwife not only made the best tea and toast I've ever seen in the nhs! But also helped me with feeding my daughter, checked on us and helped us with our first moments as parents (? Claire). I was really nauseated and was quite sick and she dealt with it so quickly and saved me alot of embarrassment!

Again all the staff on the postnatal ward were very kind we were well taken care of but also given space as a family. When my daughters observations were slightly off we were reassured but it was also taken seriously and she was monitored throughout the night (all was well!)

On discharge the midwife helped 2 anxious new parents with the car seat and encouraged us to take car safety seriously.

I also want to mention all the student midwives we encountered who were also total credit to their various universities and their qualified colleagues on the wards. Im sure they will have moved on but hopefully they return to you as qualified midwives.

My daughter is here and safe and healthy and I want to say a massive thank you for helping that happen. My labour really did not go as I had hoped and could have been a much worse experience had I not been looked after the way I was, so thank you.