"The birth of my baby girl"

My waters broke at home and about an hour later I was in the hospital. I dropped my notes off to the assessment unit and told them when my waters broke and that my contractions were rather close together. I waited about 15 minutes, then I was triaged and left in the room where my contractions were getting stronger and stronger and were only about 1 minute apart. I felt there was no urgency on my care but I believe that if a mummy has come in with waters broken they should been seen to as a matter of urgency, I didn't feel like I was at all. I understand that some mummy's might wait hours and hours after their waters break before birthing there baby but some don't, and some have a fast labour like I did. By the time someone came back into the room I was ready to go to the labour ward as my baby was on her way.

Arriving in the ABC unit was a welcome change. I was greeted by the loveliest midwife, Claire, who delivered my baby about 5-10 minutes after arriving at the unit. Her tone was soft and calming, which is exactly what I needed to hear. She just gave the reins to me and told me to do what my body told me to which was push. Two contractions and pushes later I was holding my baby girl in my arms. I really needed someone like Claire at that moment as I needed to be grounded again after spending the majority of active labour either in the assessment unit or on the wheelchair going to the ABC unit. I found Claire amazing! She is so fantastic at her job, I am so fortunate she delivered my little girl!

After the labour, Claire was great at making things seem so normal, like showing me my placenta (which I asked to see) and stitching me up. Nothing was an issue and it made me feel very comfortable.

Alice and Ellen were the next two midwives I experienced and they too where both so kind and caring. If I ever used the call button they came straight away. Nothing was an issue, even making me plates and plates of toast wasn't a problem either. During my baby's check they found a murmur which Alice explained to me in such a way I didn't feel the need to panic. Just as well I didn't as it was away by the morning. She was very reassuring and kept me informed along the way.

Debbie carried out my discharge information chat. She was very engaging and explained everything very well. My husband and my son was also there so before we left she brought us all in a lovely big tray of biscuits, toast, tea, coffee and rice Krispies for my son. It was such a lovely touch and it was so appreciated. It was a lovely way to end my visit to the ABC unit.

When leaving the girls all came out to say goodbye, take pictures and get my son to hang the pink baby grow image on the line. It is such a lovely thing for siblings to be able to do. Makes them feel important too.

I loved my experience in the ABC unit and would recommend it to anyone. Thank you so much girls for making my last labour very memorable. You are all amazing at what you do!