"Second Pregnancy and Birth"

My antenatal care with pregnancy number two has been really good.  After having many midwives throughout my first pregnancy, I had just one this time which ensured continuity of care from my booking appointment at 8weeks right until day 10 after the birth.  I had a range of different students involved throughout, but I didn't mind that at all.  My midwife Becca from Peterhead Maternity Hospital was friendly and thorough, and respectful of my choices surrounding all aspects of pregnancy and labour; vaccines/birth location/preferences for labour and induction etc.

Once labour started, I stayed at home.  I called PMH towards the end of the first day of contractions (around 3am), to see if I could check baby was ok - this was no problem.  They sent me home with a dehydrocodeine tablet to help me to sleep for a bit, and as soon as that wore off I was deep into the throes of labour again and went straight back in.

No messing around once we arrived, quick examination and one of their two birthing pools was set up for me.  I had a midwife and student present for the birth, music on and lights off (9am so bright enough).  There was no time to discuss pain relief so I did not receive any...but I was far too distracted to care at the time! The midwives allowed me to use my intuition throughout, staying quite quiet, but were there if I needed them.  Perfect.  After my son was born, the student (Millie) asked for a phone to take some photos - she took loads! 

I was moved to the post-natal ward where I had the four-bed room to myself, and had all the tea/toast/meals/biscuits/cheese etc etc I could have wanted for the next 2 days...whether the kitchen was open or not.  There was an ensuite with shower (and more importantly a seat in the shower!) which was brilliant.

The midwives were very attentive and friendly, and many of them introduced themselves at the start of each shift.  I only saw my own midwife once throughout my stay, but I was well looked after regardless.

Millie was there every day, coming to do checks and seeing if I needed anything - it was great to see a friendly face I knew each day.  When I was ready to go home, the midwives put my son's details on the board and took our photo in front of it - cute keepsake!

The home visits by the midwives were then done by Becca and Millie each time, and they were a welcome sight - nice to have professionals in this field smiling at your newborn and telling you that you've done a great job when you've got that new parent self-doubt in your mind.

The hearing test came next, also at PMH, and the woman who did it was very friendly.  I was given time to feed my son between testing each side, in order to keep him calm, and didn't feel rushed at all.  This was very welcome as we were bang on time after panicking we would be late the entire journey in! 

Our health visitors (we had two, one while our usual one was on holiday) were an actual delight too - Ann and Jen.  I would happily invite both back into our home again which sadly I know a lot of my friends can't say about their health visitors.

I have had very little to complain about throughout this past year, and would highly recommend Peterhead Maternity Hospital and staff to any other expectant mums.  Thank you to all we came across!