"C section birth"

I wanted to give a full honest account of my experience at York Hospital. The idea of childbirth has terrified me for years and after a failed round of IVF and difficulties waiting 4/5 years to conceive we were blessed with our baby girl. 

From the start I was treated with compassion and encouragement and full support. I got offered an early scan as I was so anxious for the pregnancy to go well .  I asked for an elective c section and was not made to feel bad/ashamed about it and felt very supported throughout with all the right information. 

The actual birth ended up not being planned and my baby girl came two weeks later before my planned section. 

I rang triage and I was under Vicky’s care at first. She was absolutely fantastic and understood my needs and wishes for a successful birth straight away. She made me feel so safe. I loved that she checked in on me after the emergency section and the day after as well. I cannot thank her enough for the support she gave me and baby. 

My midwife Becca was just lovely and really kept me calm during the section along with every doctor involved. I was incredibly well looked after and did an amazing job.  

The evening on the ward was clearly a little more challenging due to staffing levels which I do not blame anyone for. I understand this was likely the reason for being left longer than I should have. I had my section half 3 pm and did not receive any further pain relief until 11am the following morning which I found tough. I asked a few times to the midwife on the night shift and I was told it would be 9pm as that's when the spinal wears off then told 3am/5am. I was then told the staff in the morning would give me some as they were very busy but I am not sure if this was communicated by the midwife on nights. I had a member of staff remove my catheter around 8am but again no pain relief came. Unfortunately it was not until the doctor came that I got further support as at that point I was struggling with the pain/ upset and keen to go home the same day as I got no sleep on the ward. 

The response to helping me was lovely and Vicky came got me my pain relief and helped me walk with honey who was also very lovely. I was out of hospital and discharged at 4pm with good pain relief for the journey and my recovery at home. My recovery at home has been also very positive.

My experience was fantastic overall with York hospital. Thank you to the maternity ward at York Hospital and keeping me and baby safe ❤️