"Antenatal, labour & postnatal experience"

I went in to labour at home myself and after speaking to a midwife on the phone I decided it was time to come in to the ward. I was checked over by a wonderful nurse called Rebecca. We soon discovered things were moving quickly and I was taken across to the labour ward.

Again I was met by a lovely midwife called Tracey who was so kind and caring. She asked me how I wanted to give birth, which was so empowering as I felt in control the whole time. She suggested different techniques and I decided to give the birthing stool a go. Two more wonderful midwives appeared, Brenda and a student named Emily. I felt supported and encouraged throughout my labour because of these amazing ladies. It was such a positive experience and completely different to my first child’s birth. 

On another positive note, I was consultant led because my pregnancy was the result of IVF. I saw different consultants in Anderson House every few weeks. When I got to meet my actual consultant, Dr Jamison, I was amazed. Finally someone who listened! Again she made me feel empowered and asked me how I felt about induction, c-section and labour itself.

I was told from day one I would be induced early because of it being an IVF pregnancy which I was totally against because I was induced before and it was a horrible experience. We talked this over with Dr Jamison and she told us we could do whatever I wanted and felt comfortable with. I wish more consultants were like this and took the time to actually talk things over with mothers to be.

Overall, my experience this time round was magical!!!