"We were immediately put at ease"

We were booked in for an induction at RDU on a Friday beginning of August. When we arrived we were told that the ward was full and we couldn’t be induced. I was extremely upset and anxious to hear this as we were being induced early due to babies large size. We were offered to go to NDDH which I reluctantly agreed to as felt there was no other option. I was very anxious about this as it was such a long drive away from home and family.

However, the minute we arrived at NDDH we were immediately put at ease. The midwives were instantly welcoming and reassuring and explained the next steps clearly and calmly. Again I was very anxious as in Exeter we were told my partner would be allowed to stay over whilst I was being induced, however this wasn’t the case in NDDH. We didn’t know what to do as we were so far away from home, we thought he was going to have to sleep in the car. However after a discussion with one of the midwives (Anne maybe?) she said that he could stay as long as he was discreet, we were so extremely grateful and this made a huge difference to my mood.

The next day my induction wasn t progressing, by 10pm I was in extreme pain but no progress and my waters couldn’t be broken. I would like to feedback how amazing Emily was during this time. We had her the previous night, and then again that second evening. When we found out my induction wasn’t progressing, Emily explained very clearly what our next options would be, including a C section. We hadn’t considered a section until this point and I was very anxious about this option but equally was worried about the other option I was offered which was the rods. Due to Emily’s calmness, knowledge and reassurance, we decided a section would be my best option.

We discussed this with Emily and the doctor, but I really feel like my desicion was so easy because of Emily. She didn’t pressure us to make a choice at all and I really felt reassured that I was making the right choice for me. I felt really clear what all my options were and what the next steps would be - being reminded that it was my choice throughout. I went into the room feeling terrified and in so much pain, but left feeling relieved and reassured knowing that the next day my baby was arriving via section.

We will never forget how amazing Emily was. My section went extremely smoothly and was an amazing experience for my partner and I. All of the staff who performed the section were again extremely reassuring and calm, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Afterwards my partner was again allowed to stay even though this was not standard protocol (which I do believe should change!). We were so grateful for this as again we were worried he would have to stay in the car due to being so far away from home.

The next day we were looked after another amazing midwife but I haveforgotten her name in the newborn whirlwind! This was the midwife who discharged us so hopefully this is on my notes and the feedback can still reach her. This midwife visited us first at around 6am I think, and I asked what I needed to do in order to be discharged as we were desperate to go home after three nights in hospital. She explained and we talked everything through. I explained I was struggling with breastfeeding our baby and she was very reassuring and helped us with this too. Whenever we had a question she was instantly there and nothing was too much to ask for. Again, the morning was so calm and an amazing experience because of the care we recieved - I was encouraged to get up and walk and take my dressing off - because of this encouragement so early on I feel my recovery was a million times better - I felt back to normal after two weeks!

We had such an amazing experience at NDDH, we will even likely opt to birth there again over Exeter for our next baby even though we are based in Exeter. Most of this experience I would put down to how amazing Emily was and our midwife who discharged us.

A big big thank you to all on Bassett ward and the team who performed my section. My care was absolutely amazing and everything I could have asked for. I felt listened to and cared for throughout. Me and Baby are doing very well now, and I continue to tell everyone how amazing the team were.

We look forward to hopefully coming back one day!

With the kindest of regards