"Ayrshire Maternity - the best care"

I was induced at 39 weeks due to some pregnancy complications. As a first-time mum, I was understandably terrified - and despite a traumatic birth, I needn’t have been. The care both me and my baby received was impeccable, and there wasn’t a moment in the hospital that I didn’t feel cared for, supported or heard. 

My labour ended in an emergency c section, and my midwife who had been with me since my waters broke (Michelle, my fellow Michelle McManus fan) kept me as safe and calm as possible, not only during my labour, but in theatre and in recovery too, staying after her shift had ended to make sure I was okay. She held my hand during the scariest time of my life and never left my side - something I will never, ever forget. 

Every member of the theatre staff - the anaesthetist in particular was a superstar and kept me so calm - were great at their jobs and treated me with such respect and care when I was terrified. I felt totally listened to and as in control of the situation as I was able to be, given the circumstances. 

After an emergency delivery, my baby had several dusky episodes and had to be taken to intensive care for over 24 hours - truly the scariest time of my life. The midwives who cared for me postnatally were so empathetic, advocated for me while I was poorly after birth, took me to see my baby any time I asked, washed me, helped me change my pyjamas, cuddled me, visited me after their shifts - they were all truly outstanding. I was absolutely lost without my baby girl with me, and I never once felt a nuisance asking for updates or to be taken down to neonatal to see her.

When my baby was well enough to be reunited with me, I was still unwell and very sore from surgery, and understandably anxious given her previous dusky episodes, so I was ringing my buzzer every time she looked a wee bit funny or cried, and every time the midwives showed up for me, supported me and never once made me feel bad. Sylvia in particular was an angel. 

I had heard many negative things prior to giving birth and felt a bit apprehensive about going to Ayrshire Maternity, but my experience, albeit absolutely terrifying, was a very positive one in regard to the care I received from the doctors, midwives and staff there. They all work so hard, for long shifts, often running room to room to care for all the women who need their help. I could not have gotten through my labour without the team at AMU, and my heart is full of gratitude for the care both me and my baby girl received. 

I also had a very positive experience with my community midwife, Mhairi, who helped me navigate a pretty difficult pregnancy. Mhairi listened to me cry on many an occasion, always responded to me when I needed advice and support and postnatally, I was absolutely delighted to be home and see her again - and similarly was quite sad to be discharged on to the health visitors as I’ll miss Mhairi and the relationship we’ve built over my pregnancy. 

I understand everyone has a different experience but please, if you have any worries about giving birth in AMU, let this be your sign, that from someone who had a terrifying labour itself, I could not have received better care from the staff here. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.