"A mixed experience"

I honestly cannot express the love, care and attention the delivery suite staff gave me throughout my induction, to my unfortunate category 1 C-section to my beautiful girl being born they could not of done more. A team of absolute angels. Kim, Aoife, Donna & Aideen to name a few. They listened to me the whole way through, they understood how scared I was. From Donna holding my hand, to Kim reassuring us both. The fact the team came to see me in recovery after, really showed how much they all genuinely cared.   - I am truly thankful.

Unfortunately I feel that’s where the care ended.

Firstly after recovery I was brought up to the ward only for my other half to be told to leave there and then as it was past visiting hours. He didn’t have the chance to help me into my pyjamas, or even speak to me about what had just happened. I can’t even explain how I felt in that moment, I really needed him there just until I got settled.

Secondly, I found certain members of the ward rude, unhelpful and completely degrading. One member I over heard talking about me, not very gracefully either. This was highlighted to the sister on the day - who also was extremely rude and didn’t want to listen to me at all, they said this was just banter between staff. I was absolutely gutted to come home to find the above handwritten in my green book - which was not fully factual.

I completely understand delivery suite is 121 care, and the ward is many mummy’s and their babies to limited members of staff. I really don’t second guess the pressure they are under but it’s no excuse.

My birth was traumatic, but unfortunately I feel the ward was the worst part.