"I felt like they really cared"

About: Forth Valley Royal Hospital / Maternity unit Forth Valley Royal Hospital Maternity unit FK5 4WR

Posted by sierrarw44 (as a service user), last week

We had the most wonderful experience at Forth Valley at the birth of our second child. After a previous traumatic birth in a different hospital, I attended the birth conversations clinic recommended by my consultant, ran by Jackie.
As I have mentioned already in my previous post, Jackie had spend considerable time with me discussing my previous birth, current pregnancy and options. Having had a previous section it was really useful to discuss the option of a vaginal birth and my personal risks and also all the benefits. Jackie showed me round the unit including delivery rooms and theatre to help me feel more comfortable. She also explained how the midwife team worked and the training her team goes through. This included biomecanics and aromatherapy. This clinic made all the difference to me and I left feeling really listened to and supported. So much so I decided to opt for a VBAC.
When it came to my actual labour, the team were fantastic and it was the absolute polar opposite experience to my previous labour. From the moment we arrived the whole team took the time to listen to me and my partner, gave us options and generally supported us anyway they could.
As per lots of labours, nothing went to plan but with the support of the team I had a successful VBAC. My midwife Mary was wonderful and made sure that me and my husband had everything we needed and were kept in the loop with everything that was going on and being discussed. She did biomecanics with me as my baby was back to back and many other techniques to try and deliver safely. I never felt pushed into anything and felt so supported and safe.
When I had to go to theatre, she was there with me the whole time, checking I was okay and supporting me. The whole theatre team was fab and I felt like they really cared. Although none of my labour went to plan, I had a wonderful labour. I have struggled to put into words how fantastic my experience at FV was.
I am so grateful for everything everyone did for us and the support we received.

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Alana Harrower

Department Manager/Senior Midwife/Best Start Project Lead, Women, Children & Sexual Health,

NHS Forth Valley

Submitted on 07/10/2025 at 11:53

Published on Care Opinion at 11:53

Dear Sierraw44,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us at NHS Forth Valley. We are truly honoured to have supported you during such a significant and personal moment in your life.
Your kind words about Jackie, Mary, and the wider maternity team mean a great deal to us. We’re so pleased to hear that the Birth Conversations Clinic helped you feel listened to, informed, and empowered in your choices — and that your VBAC journey was supported with compassion, skill, and care throughout.
It’s especially heartening to know that your experience with us was a positive contrast to your previous birth, and that you felt safe, respected, and cared for every step of the way. We will make sure your feedback is shared with the team, who will be deeply touched to know the difference they made for you and your family.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the very best as you settle into life with your new arrival. Thank you again for your thoughtful message.
Kind Regards
Alana Harrower, Department Manager Midwifery Teams / Senior Midwife
alana.harrower@nhs.scot

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