"Pregnancy, giving birth and aftercare"

6 weeks ago I gave birth to our baby boy in Worcester hospital. 

Throughout my whole pregnancy experience, all midwives were very friendly and helpful. They all made me feel at ease as it was going to be my first baby. All answered any questions, have me extra reading and supported me in getting ready to have our baby. A course was offered but there were no spaces so we had to complete it online. It would have been good to complete this in person. 

I had to have a planned c-section which was not by choice. I was very nervous as it was something I wouldn’t have chosen but had to have for the safety of myself and my baby.  We received information about what would happen and a meeting to discuss. I arrived at the hospital on the morning of my c-section and all staff were very informative about what was going to happen but also so calming and friendly that it put me at ease. Everything went to plan for me and the experience was as so much better than expected. My partner decided not to come into the operation but the midwife kept him informed the while time and made sure he was in recovery straight away ready to meet our baby boy. 

We went through recovery and was put on  a ward. Again all the midwives on the ward were very helpful. As this was our first baby we were extra nervous but they supported when needed but didn’t take over. 

We were discharged the next day and had support from the midwife at home. We had extra visits due to the needs of our baby. I was very grateful of this as we were given the support we needed. 

Our baby had tongue tie. We were offered this through the NHS. We were told the wait would be 3-5 weeks. As he was not feeding we couldn’t wait that long so decided to go private. I would be better if this was picked up in hospital straight away as it wasn’t picked up until the midwife visited home which meant he lost a lot of weight. We are very fortunate to have been able to go private but for some other people this would not be the case. 3-5 weeks is way too long to wait when your baby isn’t feeding. 

I’ve also had visits from the health visitor, which has also been really helpful. 

I’ve had a few problems with breastfeeding and needed some extra support as I didn’t want to give up. I spoke to the local infant feeding support worker on the phone and she suggested I attended their local group. This group was very helpful. Jodie took time to sit with each mom individually to support where needed but was also nice to go and chat to other moms.