"Excellent birthing experience"

My waters broke at 39+3 weeks and I had no contractions afterwards so had a booked induction for 24 hours later. As a first time mum, I had no idea what to expect and had been given a consent form regarding being induced which caused further worry.

I was induced at 8pm on a Thursday early October and gave birth to a healthy baby boy the next morning at 07:06.

I wanted to share my experience which was extremely positive from presenting at triage, to being induced in the antenatal ward with Louise being there to support me initially, through to labour and postnatal ward.

Whilst it’s the hardest and most painful thing I’ve ever encountered, my experience was truly amazing and I can’t stop thinking about the care I received throughout.

I particularly owe this to the amazing midwife I was blessed to have, Amanda, who was significant to my delivery and positive experience during labour. She truly is in the right role and goes above and beyond NHS values to support and coach you through your labour journey. It wasn’t just the physical application of care but the mental application which was so, so important in my case. I can’t stop thinking about how lucky I was to be in her care at such a vulnerable and difficult time and want to highlight her amazing abilities and commitment to caring for others, something which clearly comes so naturally to her. She is absolutely amazing.

Following birth, I stayed in the hospital for 2 days and the care and support continued at a high level. I received ongoing support around breastfeeding (which was invaluable) and general care for my baby, again all of which was really daunting at first as a first time mum. Mary was particularly helpful and supportive during this period and offered so much advice and techniques around breastfeeding. I can’t remember everyone’s name unfortunately however every staff member I engaged with in wards 22 and 23 were fantastic and nothing was a bother. They were all fantastic at their job but also amazing and caring people; again the right people in the right roles. I am so thankful and very lucky to have had the experience I did and will not forget it - thank you!