"Pregnancy & Labour Experience"

From the start of my pregnancy journey I have received the most outstanding care from Ayrshire Maternity/Crosshouse/Community midwife (Beth) in Largs.

At the beginning of my pregnancy I had a few trips to the early pregnancy unit to rule out ectopic pregnancy and I was always treated with care & compassion during such a scary vulnerable time.

I also had some visits to the maternity assessment at Crosshouse after using the 24 hour maternity helpline number. This service is invaluable and I was checked over for bleeding immediately at 19 weeks. Luckily it was a cervical ectropion and nothing to worry about, however my concerns were always taken seriously and I was checked thoroughly. The doctor also drew a diagram explaining what this was on paper, to help visualise the condition which was extremely helpful (as a visual learner).

As a first time mum, I was extremely anxious about labour. The minute I arrived at Crosshouse and was admitted I had the most exemplary care from start to finish and every single practitioner involved in my care was phenomenal. I wish I could remember everyone’s names to personally thank them all.

Firstly Sandi was my midwife at the beginning of my labour. She was truly fantastic at her job and put me at ease straight away. Sandi explained everything to me so thoroughly and was always happy to answer my questions at any point. I believe this calm environment really helped progress my labour in a positive way.

The birthing pool set up is absolutely outstanding, and anyone that has Sandi deliver their baby is in the most amazing hands. I was sad when shift change happened and she had to leave, however my new midwife Kylee was just as wonderful- I could not believe my luck!

Kylee kept me calm throughout my water birth, knowing when to check on me, when to leave me in my zone and exactly when to give me some supporting words to get me through the stronger contractions. I felt like I was being thoroughly monitored but also allowed to listen to my own body throughout my labour.

I unfortunately cannot remember the name of the second midwife who also supported me throughout my water birth, and she also deserves a mention for her support, reassurance & care, especially when I went to theatre. Special mention to her for providing me with a warm compress for my eyes when I was in theatre for a third degree tear- I was so unbelievably nervous about theatre and this was such a personal touch, going above and beyond any required duty of care which allowed me to relax as much as possible during my surgery. She also chatted to me throughout and kept me informed and calm.

The entire theatre team were fantastic. They provided clear information on the surgery requirements, reasons for doing them & risks before I went in, & created the nicest possible environment during my surgery. I was also checked up on by the anaesthetist and surgeon after to see how I was getting on. Everyone was so professional whilst also remaining compassionate. I was provided lots of post operation information and leaflets and also spoke with a physio. After surgery, I struggled to breastfeed and Kylee helped me express colostrum. She was so patient and helped show me the techniques to stimulate my milk allowing my baby to be feed whilst I still recovered.

I was then moved to the ward, and everyone I dealt with could not have been more helpful. As a first time mum, I was so nervous but l received so much help and guidance. I was even shown how to put on a nappy properly. There were too many people involved in my care to remember names however Heather, Linda and my head midwife who discharged me were all fantastic & truly went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and that my baby was ok. Linda was very patient with me whilst I tried to navigate the early breastfeeding stages. The buzzer system was really helpful especially as I could not move properly after the surgery & it was always answered promptly, with no question being too silly for anyone.

Lastly my community midwife Beth who has looked after me for 8 months deserves a special mention. Beth calmed any anxieties I have had during pregnancy, answering all my questions thoroughly and provided friendly consistent care the entire way. Having the same midwife and keeping that consistency allowed me to build a trusting relationship with her, and I always felt listened to. No question was a silly question for Beth. She also noticed when I was breastfeeding at home something I could improve on to get a better latch, and was able to help me correct this leading to a more positive breastfeeding experience!

There genuinely are not enough words to express my gratitude to everyone involved in my care from the start of my pregnancy to birth of my precious girl. Thank you doesn’t seem enough.