"After care following C-section"

My overall experience at the Ulster Maternity Hospital in Belfast was mixed. The C-section itself went well with good communication and care throughout. There were amazing staff who cared for me and my babies following the birth and surgery. However, there was also huge gaps in the care particularly at night when my husband couldn't stay which left me feeling unsafe and asked a family member to staff for support.

I was unwell following the surgery experiencing shakes when standing and bad brain fog. Due to this I felt unsafe lifting or carry my babies. There were some amazing staff who helped with bottle feeding and expressing colostrum however, there was also times when I asked for help with changing their nappies and feeding I was was not supported.  On one occasion I was handed my babies and told I could change and feed them from bed. The member of staff then told me to buzz when I was finished and left the room. The same member of staff when I asked for help getting in and out of bed to use the told, they said I needed to try myself. I explained why I needed help and why I felt unsafe carrying my babies. This was 2 days postpartum and post surgery.

On another occasion when one member of staff was helping bottle feed one baby I asked for help with expressing colostrum I was handed a book and told to try it. I was 2 days postpartum- tired and emotional and my baby was over due his feed. I was unable to do this, although they eventually got a staff member to help I had to make the decision due to the stress to bottle feed and stop trying to express.

In the end my husband stayed during the day and a family member stayed for my last 2 nights for support.