"My birth experience was absolutely excellent"

I had a planned section at the Princess Royal Hospital in Glasgow and my experience couldn’t have been any better. The care I have had since conception has been absolutely exceptional from everyone I met: midwives to healthcare workers… doctors, surgeons and the mental health team.

The care I received wasn’t ever rushed and everyone I dealt with listened to my wishes and empathised with everything I expressed. I had an array of moderate health issues near the end of my pregnancy which were dealt with quickly and without any panic or issue. In terms of my section the theatre team were unbelievable and communicated with my husband and I so well so we completely understood what was going on. My section was so calm and controlled and it eased my anxiety massively. When baby was born I was well looked after in recovery by the team; my recovery was quite slow due to my blood pressure being unstable, but I came through the other end and was monitored very closely and calmly.

In the ward my baby and I were looked after so closely, but we weren’t bombarded at all. We were allowed a few hours to relax and get to know our baby and the midwives were so lovely and professional. I, of course, got my famous tea and toast and it was definitely worth the wait. The night I spent in hospital was difficult for me mentally as due to my section scar I was struggling to lift my baby from the bassinet. She became unsettled for a while and had an upset tummy so the midwives took her to calm her down and allowed me to rest for a couple of hours. I was very upset but the midwives did an excellent job at ensuring baby was ok and that my emotions were being managed and understood.

On day 2 after the first night the staff rounds were very efficient and we spoke to many people about our baby’s care. From what I remember we spoke with midwives, paediatricians, the baby hearing team, a physiotherapist, and healthcare staff who took my blood samples. We were well looked after and all checks were done without any rush. Overall the experience on the ward was positive, but I am an anxious person so I struggled with the noise and hustle and bustle. I was also very aware of my hormones and the fact that I was in active recovery, so my experience was subjective to how I felt in myself.

We were discharged 24 hours after my section which is what I wanted, and the staff ensured I was discharged with all paperwork, support and medication I needed.

Overall I couldn’t thank the staff at the PRM more, and that my birth experience from conception to birth was absolutely excellent and so special.

The staff who work for the NHS should be applauded every single day, and I do hope they are told how appreciated and invaluable they are. I just want to extend a final thank you to everyone I dealt with during my pregnancy and that if we decide to have more children I know we would be in the best hands possible again.

Thank you so much.