"Assisted Birth"

My story has some positives and areas that could be improved.

I attended Altnagelvin Hospital for the birth of my 1st child in March 2025. My waters had broke 2 weeks early so I was admitted. No contractions starting therefore I was transferred to labour ward and induced via drip 30 hours later. 

On arrival I was told I couldn't eat or drink, which I didn't know was a thing. I eventually was allowed sips of water. I was told 1 birth partner only, which again I wasn't aware of, I had planned to have my mum and partner. The green folders say you can have 2 birth partners but apparently this has never been a thing.

But anyways, that was fine. The starting process was really amazing. Midwives were fabulous in how they soothe and calm a mother.

I opted for PCA analgesia however this eventually ran out and anaesthetists were held up elsewhere in the hospital. Waited an hour and a half for a change which at the time seemed like forever when you are in pain but I appreciate medics were needed elsewhere.

After about a couple hours on the new bag - I noticed it wasn't effective pain relief and asked for a review. It took a while for anaesthetist to come back again and they realised there must have been a mixing issue with the solution so I had the bag was changed. I was approx 12 hours in labour at this point.

Approx 16 hours into labour I was ready to push but after 3 hours baby's head was not advancing. I was unable to effectively push further due to exhaustion and said I needed help. The midwives were brilliant at being encouraging but knowing when to trust my word.

I ended up in an assisted delivery with forceps which for me was quite traumatic, but we had a good outcome with our baby. I am very grateful for all the midwives. They were so comforting to my partner who was also so scared.

I recently attended my first Women's Health Physio appointment. I didn't know I was being referred but glad I was. I had a history of poor pelvic floor anyways and we came to the conclusion that this is likely the reason why I had such difficulty effectively pushing baby. It would be great if there was such a service to help prepare/explore options for childbirth. As on reflection now with this new found knowledge, I probably would never have been able to push baby out myself, regardless of time because of my pre existing pelvic floor. 

I also think 2-3 hours of active pushing is a lot, and maybe this needs to be looked at in terms of maternal exhaustion. Only I requested help otherwise I think I would've been encouraged to push for longer. Maybe this is normal- first time mum so it's all new to me. 

It would be great to see birth partners being allowed for overnights

It was hard going being in labour for so long, to then have your partner leave at end of night visiting time (for us an hour later). It felt so overwhelming being left alone overnight with a new baby, pain, exhaustion and sleep deprivation.

Big round of applause to all the staff on the post natal ward. I have never seen staff work as hard. They were constantly run off their feet but nothing seemed a bother to them. Lovely bunch of girls!