"I couldn't wait to leave"

First Elective c section in mid October. The staff on the ward later that day and the following day were fantastic. Helpful, changed nappies, really felt cared for even from a student midwife who was a wealth of knowledge and rolled up her sleeves like any other staff member. Everyone on those 2 days were great. 

Unfortunately some of the night staff appeared to take a hands off approach when I needed them the most. I can barely articulate and verbalise my experience of that night as it was one of the worst times I have had. As a new mum I needed time, care, advice and support. Unfortunately as my child cried for the majority of the night I watched the staff close the door to our ward to ensure the noise didn’t leak out. I had no idea what I was doing while I was trying to navigate breastfeeding. While I understand not all is what I observed on the surface, the staff that evening were not rushed off their feet, it was a stark difference to the evening before. I felt things were dangerous as I couldn’t settle my child (no idea what I was doing at this stage exhausted) and I was beginning to fall asleep with them in my arms. This went on from 8:30pm -4:30am,I walked the corridors rocking him while crying uncontrollably. Their only answer was to take him from me or give him formula. I felt I was annoying them all and was made to feel like a first time mum who didn’t know what she was doing. And they weren’t too far wrong. 

I couldn’t wait to leave. 

I hope the aforementioned does not take away from the positives of my experience but sadly they were overshadowed by the latter. A consistent approach to care and strong leadership on all shifts are required to help parents get off to the best start.