"Induction Experience"

We attended on a Monday at maternity triage for further checks and monitoring ahead of induction. We were dealt with by a member of staff who was was incredibly knowledgeable and had a real passion for maternity care. They really took the time to explain every test and check that was being performed. They took me through what an induction would likely look like, showing me the equipment that would be used (balloon catheter) and advising me what the likely outcomes would be going forward depending on the success of each stage of induction. Their knowledge was incredible and they provided the pros and cons of various matters which allowed me to truly make an informed decision about my care. This really meant a lot to my partner and I. I left feeling informed and positive about the options available to me confident that I knew all I needed to know to make the best decisions going forward.

We returned on the Wednesday and the balloon was fitted in maternity triage. All staff we dealt with were great. They were caring, reassuring and explained everything clearly. I was then taken to ward 38 to be admitted for blood pressure checks whilst waiting for a space on labour ward.

On the Thursday morning, the balloon was removed. Unfortunately a space was not available until the Friday morning. During this time we were left waiting with very little updates from members of staff. Interactions with staff were minimal throughout this period. I was in a four bedded room, the whole room were behind their curtains and it felt as though you were forgotten about by staff apart from when they were required to interact with you - ie to take blood pressure readings.

On the Friday morning we were taken to labour ward and met our midwife for the day shift. They were lovely and friendly. They tried their best to make me feel as relaxed as possible and created a friendly, calm, positive environment. They made me feel at ease, which was greatly appreciated because as a first time mum I had no idea what to expect or what would happen. The midwife spoke me through each process before they proceeded to ensure I understood what would happen. They allowed me to feel part of my care. For example after they burst my waters, they showed me the device they had used and explained how it worked which was fascinating to see. I was then hooked up to the hormone drip.

Night shift started and we were assigned a midwife along with a student. The atmosphere in the birthing room quickly shifted and became frosty and almost a little hostile. It became clear to me quickly that the staff were not getting along, which caused this icy atmosphere in the room. The midwife was sharp with their student. For example one of my machines started to beep and the student went to fix it, only for the midwife to snap at the student to leave it.

I found the midwife at times to be dismissive of me and my feelings. For example at one stage I had a strong urge to poo. When I voiced it, the midwife advised I didn’t and that it was baby. I explained no I really needed to poo, to be told again no it was baby. The midwife left the room and I told the student midwife I really needed to poo.

The student then got a bed pan so I could try. I attempted but couldn’t, it transpired it was the baby and I didn’t need to poo. The midwife came back into the room and asked what was going on. The student explained I had felt I needed to poo so we had tried. The midwife asked if I had managed and when I said no they snapped back saying -  I told you you didn’t need to poo.

Towards the end of labour I received additional pain relief but only after the senior charge nurse instructed the midwife to get more. I had expressed I was in pain so it was a shame it took their boss before it was actioned. 

My partner has since commented that this midwife, in his view, was dismissive of things that I said. He described them as having a they knew best attitude. He commented that he told them that he didn’t care if I was wrong, but my feelings and thoughts should be managed in a way that positive vibes were present in the room, as opposed to silence.

Another example was I felt I needed to push and explained this to the midwife. They explained they couldn’t carry out a further vaginal examination because it wasn’t four hours since the last one (it was 3 hours 15 minutes). My partner asked them to carry out a check because I had requested one. The midwife told him they couldn’t because of the infection risk and asked - how could they justify why they carried it out?

He explained it could be justified because the patient had requested one. They went back and forth before eventually the midwife conceded, carried out the examination and I was 9cm which had been quite the jump from where I was at the last check - 5cm - and they then prepped for birth. 

The midwife unfortunately let their feelings towards the student impact the care they delivered to me at one of those most vulnerable moments of my life. However, the midwife did excel when it came to birth itself. I found them to be really encouraging. They knew exactly what to do and was able to coach me through the birth. He was a large baby but with the midwife's guidance I birthed him without intervention and I don’t think I would have managed as successfully without their guidance and support.

I required to go to theatre and the atmosphere was incredible. It was upbeat, everyone was happy and the vibe in the room was really high. They made me feel at ease and explained everything fully.