"Excellent care during a traumatic birth"

I gave birth to my daughter in July. In the end, I had a fairly traumatic birth with a lot of things I'd hoped to avoid happening (induction, certain pain relief methods, emergency c section - all with my consent). It ended up being quite a scary and upsetting time. 

However, throughout my pregnancy and my time in the labour ward, I could not have asked for better care. I was listened to with respect and everything was explained extremely well. The midwives especially were incredibly kind and caring and I am so grateful to them. I look back and, while it was slightly traumatic, I see my care as extremely positive.

I'd like to specifically thank certain people, although everyone involved was amazing:

Charlotte was my community midwife for the majority of my pregnancy and she was amazing. Always reassuring and I felt well taken care of. 

Heather took over as my community midwife in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and was exactly the person I needed for the couple of weeks after when I was so tired and emotional. I'll always appreciate her kindness and support.

My maternity care assistant Becky saved my breastfeeding journey when I was about to quit from the pain. 

The hospital midwives Christy and Tammie were wonderful and a special shout-out to Sam who looked after me when I was put on syntocin. I was in a lot of pain and scared and she looked after me so well. Sarah took over and was there for my c section and was brilliant at explaining things to me when I was feeling so vulnerable and scared.

Victoria the consultant told me about and performed the section and made a scary situation feel more manageable.

A huge thanks also to anaesthetist David who held my hand through the surgery and again explained everything with respect and kindness.

In the end my daughter and I are here, healthy and happy because of all of you.

My only less positive feedback relates to interactions I had with two staff members, who both asked me why I chose to have a c section. While I understand that ultimately the decision was mine, it was an emergency c section, and I was still emotionally processing what had happened. Being asked that so soon after the birth, made me feel as though I had to justify a decision that was made under upsetting and urgent circumstances, when it didn't really feel like I had a decision (for the health of my daughter). It left me feeling a little confused and even a little guilty when I was so vulnerable. I would have hoped they had reviewed my notes before asking, if that information was in there.

In general, the fact I could tour the labour ward before hand and the fact I had so many feeding and parenting sessions was really appreciated. The care everyone provided was above anything I could have expected and I can't thank everyone enough and I'll be forever grateful.