"Improving the experience"

My baby was born at Simpson’s Maternity, ERI mid July on labour ward. Overall I had a positive experience and achieved the VBAC which I was hoping for. My reflection/feedback in terms of improving the experience was that I did not find it a good experience coming to hospital in very established labour (7cm dilation and very quickly ready to push). I understand why it is recommended to labour at home as long as possible as women progress more quickly and feel more relaxed in their home environment, and I also understand why a labour ward birth was recommended for me due to complications possible in VBAC however I felt that changing environment at the late stage in labour was a chaotic and stressful experience and impacted upon the birth.

When we phoned triage when contractions were 5 minutes apart we were advised to stay home until 2-3mins apart for at least 2h. We drove in once contractions reached 2-3mins apart as instinct told us it was getting close and thankfully we did as baby was born 2h later - if we had followed advice of triage baby would have been born at home. I understand that labours vary in length and are unpredictable however for a calmer birth experience I think it would be preferable to allow the birthing woman to settle in the environment in which she will be giving birth whilst earlier in labour as this will allow her to relax and get comfortable in this environment.

I spent 1hr after arriving at hospital waiting to be assessed and admitted and with staff attempting to trace baby’s heart rate - all of which was frustrating and uncomfortable as well as undignified as I was experiencing very intense contractions and labouring in corridors and waiting rooms.