"Having my first baby"

Having my first baby was mainly an incredible experience. From the scans, perinatal and additional support provider. Developed pre-eclampsia at 38 weeks required to be induced, this was never the ideal but felt supported in making the best choice for me and baby.

Arriving on ward 8 I had amazing midwives, I’m so sorry for not remembering everyone’s names but they were amazing! I was so well looked after, as was my partner.

After a number of days my waters were broken and I had my baby, everyone during delivery on ward 7 were so supportive.

Unfortunately, after being moved back to ward 8 hours after giving birth things were not as good.

I was very emotional, I had had a plan in place with my perinatal doctor to have a side room if available, I was initially taken to a four bed room while my baby was upset. At this point with me in bed and my new baby in his crib, the midwives told me they were taking him for some checks and tried to take him from my side. I was clear with my partner and mother that someone was to have eyes on my baby at all times. My mother reassured me she would stay with him, at which point she was told she can’t because they are taking baby into the office with confidential information. She stood outside and kept eyes on my baby through the window as I wanted.

Having since spoken to my home visiting midwife, they were shocked that they removed my baby from my side and refused to allow someone with him. This then made the rest of my time on ward 8 very unhappy. It is such a disappointment as I had amazing people up until that point.