"Positive experience of childbirth"

11 days over due, 2 failed sweeper, one failed induction. Anxiety growing and nerves abundant. Waiting on a bed in the Royal infirmary at Edinburgh was really difficult.

We went in early the morning towards the end of January 2025 to get checked as my partner was getting worried. Once there we were told a bed would be available later that morning.

From that moment on we were given the most amazing care by all the team involved. Reading all of the headlines in the news about all of the challenges with midwives and lack of staff etc had us worried. I have been meaning to tell our story because I wanted to thank the whole team and unit for being absolutely amazing at their jobs. I wish I could remember everyone's name. My partner was in hospital from early I'd say 6 that morning and gave birth to our daughter weighing 7lbs 11.

Second induction with oxytocin drip. Our midwife was simply fantastic. Kat was her name. She was truly special. She looked after my partner every second of the day. Kat was calm, reassuring, honest and communication was clear. If there were ever slight concerns she shared these, sought advise from superiors and remained a rock. I felt she was in complete control as a nervous onlooker. She is an angel in disguise. Truly we are both so grateful for what she does and did for our daughter and my partner. The other staff including Harry the anaesthetist was also fantastic. The doctors who helped deliver our daughter after long challenges pushing and her not wanting to come out.

Again the communication was brilliant. Niave the midwife who took over had a very difficult job, given kat was so amazing but she was equally great at her job and we were in good hands. She finished with an epeasiomity and forceps delivery in delivery room with lots of people whom I couldn't tell you names or professions. They were all brilliant. So calm, keen to follow our plan to allow me to say what sex the child would be. Play our own music.

Honestly the whole experience was magical and my partner agrees. I hope the team get this message in Edinburgh. They get all the bad press but they should know the amazing work they do too is not take for granted. We will always be grateful for all of the help and support. Our community midwife Dawn in Leith also deserves a huge mention. She was magic every step of the way.