"Being induced to have my 3rd baby"

Being admitted to ward 8 to begin my induction process of my 3rd baby, got a bed straight away, staff were brilliant at every point, reassuring, patient with me when I struggled with examinations and happy to chat over any questions or concerns I had. Very accommodating to my husband as well although the ward would benefit from more buddy/reclining chairs to ensure that the birth partners can rest properly as well to be the best support possible for the patient. We were kept informed throughout each stage how far along I was progressing and when I would be moved to labour ward, this was helpful as we had 2 other children at home patiently waiting for their baby sister to arrive and for me to be home. Student midwifes were so professional, you would think they were already qualified with how they conducted themselves which was great to see as some can be unsure and no confidence but every one of them were amazing.

Thursday night came and I was taken to labour ward where my midwife was Rachel, she got me cannulated, broke my waters and got things moving promptly for us, always asking how I was, if I needed anything and making sure my husband had plenty coffee for the night ahead. I felt really listened to and Rachel answered any questions I had regarding my labour. She had asked if I would mind a student midwife attending and I said no as everyone needs to learn but then came and asked about a medical student to where I said no and she completely understood.

When my body began to push she told me to go with what I felt was right for my body. Another midwife attended for the delivery where they both helped me into a good position and do tug a war with the student and a towel between us which benefitted when pushing. My beautiful baby girl arrived safely. Sadly my placenta didn't want to come away so the SCN Jackie came in to assist trying everything she knew to help deliver my placenta from inhaling Clary sage, blowing into a plastic bottle and palpating my abdomen. Jackie sat with me in the bathroom reassuring and chatting to me, preserving my dignity at every stage, Jackie was old school with her techniques and how she practiced but I liked this and felt safe. After all our hard efforts I ended up being taken to theatre to have my placenta removed manually. This was scary for not so much me as I was happy on diamorphine so quite oblivious to how serious this was but my husband was left holding the baby and watching his wife taken away for a procedure and nobody went to check on him or reassure him. 

When I got to theatre I was so sleepy, over whelmed and frightened to get a spinal, I got upset where staff asked what was wrong rather than handing me a tissue and comforting me. They chatted amongst themselves, making me feel insignificant and I understand that to them his procedure was normal but it's rude and unprofessional to talk how they were when a patient is on the table. I work in healthcare myself, so know how to conduct myself to provide to best patient care, I didn't find this was the case in theatre. And then although I was really drowsy from tiredness, and pain relief I was still awake and aware of people entering the room where I was exposed in the middle of having the placenta removed and they then began chatting and came to tell me they were changing shifts which was a bit of a worry that the anaesthesiologist were changing over mid procedure. Finally they were done and I was moved over to a bed and cleaned up while another male member of theatre team entered the room and said not to mind him. I didn't care who seen me at this point but there was no care in preserving my dignity. 

Back to labour ward where I got tea and toast, told to rest and they would move to back to ward 8 in the afternoon noon, not even 2 hours back from theatre and no proper sleep or rest I was moved to ward 8 into a 4 bedded bay where other patients had loads of visitors who were loud and inconsiderate. Needless to say I got no proper rest the full day until visiting was over. 

Over all I spent 4 nights and 5 days in hospital where the majority of my care was fantastic and couldn't fault midwifes or students but they are definitely pushed to the limit and should have more staff. The food wasn't up to much on the patient menu and was quite repetitive so we did spend quite a bit on the canteen or my husband would bring me food in. This was my final journey through the maternity services and I feel it's been the best by far.