"Birth of first baby - wonderful care"

Had an absolutely wonderful experience with the QEUH maternity services for our first birth. Maternity Assessment were so kind and reassuring when I arrived in early labour with contractions already very close together, got me in a bed on the postnatal Ward 50 upstairs despite not being quite progressed enough just because things didn't seem quite right, and then the ward staff were so kind and quick to re-evaluate when it became obvious I was very quickly approaching stage 2. Labour ward were outstanding despite my rapid arrival - Nicky and Alison were so kind and talked us through everything that was happening, got us sorted for an epidural, and then the anaesthetist was super speedy to arrive and get it in just in time. Again, fantastic, clear compassionate communication throughout despite the high stress.

When baby's heart rate started dropping with contractions we were seen immediately by a lovely obstetrician who calmly assessed the situation and explained she'd need to use the ventouse to get baby out. We were reassured and kept informed throughout, which was amazing given the circumstances. Baby safely arrived and then aftercare was also lovely - just the right amount of presence from the midwives/HCAs but enough time to also do skin to skin and bond. Wish I remembered the names of the whole team but would love if our thanks and appreciation could be passed on to them. 

The care during our 48 hours back on Ward 50 before discharge was also just fantastic, second to none. I want to say a particular huge thank you to Sharon who looked after me so spectacularly both days despite a very busy ward, and also to (I think) Ashley and Alison again for their incredible support overnight when I was just spiralling about feeding - the 4h extra sleep they got me by looking after baby for a bit was worth its weight in gold! All the medical staff we encountered were also lovely, especially the paediatric SHO who did our baby check and really spent time discussing our thoughts and concerns when baby seemed a bit jittery. The daily infant feeding team visits were also hugely helpful, and I think altogether the staff really saved my breastfeeding journey as we were really struggling to get going. 

Honestly you hear so many stories about women in labour or after delivery feeling unheard, scared, or left out of decision making, so I really wanted to feed back what a positive experience I had. It didn't look anything like what I'd 'planned', but in spite of that it went as smoothly as it's possible to go, and that's all thanks to the care provided by the wonderful staff. We'll always be grateful to them for getting our baby to us happy and healthy.