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Birth of my baby and left feeling dismissed

Posted By venuszs99

"Birth of my baby and left feeling dismissed"

About: Maternity care / Delivery suite

(as the patient),

Unfortunately I had a very poor experience with the midwives delivering my baby in Craigavon hospital this summer. The midwife would leave the room often and for long stretches to check on various things (the wait for the epidural, the medicine or pain relief I requested) and having no medical professional in the room for 10 minutes at a time was scary and distressing. What was worse was that over an hour into my 3 hour long labour I had to ask my midwife to read my birth plan in my notes as it had specific requests which wasn't being honoured nor did anyone seem aware of - like my pain relief preferences etc.

I wanted an epidural and was not able to get one in time, however instead of being up front about this my midwife kept telling me they would check on the wait times and then leave the room. I had to ask the midwife (while crying) not to keep leaving after the 3rd time they did this.

My midwife then went on their break and a new midwife took over which I wasn't informed about - the new person came in and my assigned midwife left without a word to me, I had to ask after 10 minutes where they went. I asked the midwife who was covering when I would get my epidural and they informed me I wouldn't be getting one as I was very close to giving birth and it was too late. This was very distressing as my main assigned midwife had been checking on the epidural progress often and hadn't made any mention that I might not be able to get one in time.

I had to request to have my dilation checked as I could feel the need to push and was dismissed at first. When I did need to push I was given no guidance on positioning or what to do and the midwife covering was dismissive when I said I didn't know how. This was my 2nd child. The birth of my first I had 2 assigned midwives in the room, constantly checking my notes and vitals, giving me instructions on how to push (as I did get an epidural that time) and their care was far far better. I honestly felt so distressed and upset after the birth of my second baby and thank goodness there were not complications because I do not have faith that those caring for me would have been able to properly deal with it and deliver my baby safely. 

Moreover, as I was leaving the delivery suite to go up to the ward I was breast feeding my newborn and I was told to cover up with a shawl during the move because its what management want. In a maternity ward I was made to feel ashamed of breastfeeding - shocking. 

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Responses

Response from Mary Dawson, Lead Midwife Craigavon Area Hospital, Children, Young People and Women's Services Directorate, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 hours ago
Mary Dawson
Lead Midwife Craigavon Area Hospital, Children, Young People and Women's Services Directorate,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 03/12/2025 at 13:24
Published on Care Opinion at 13:24

Dear Venuszs99,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story. As the lead Midwife for intrapartum and post natal care I want to sincerely apologise for the distress that you experienced during the birth of your baby this summer. As a Trust we strive to deliver compassionate safe care, and I am sorry that this is not the standard you received.

In relation to the care and support in labour, it is not standard practice for women to be left alone for extended periods during labour, particularly when you were in pain and seeking reassurance from the Midwife, who should always be present with woman during labour. I regret that your birth plan was not reviewed timely and that your pain relief preferences were not communicated clearly, as Midwives our role is to advocate for women during their birth journey and it is clear from your experience this did not happen. In relation to access to epidural analgesia, transparency regarding the availability should have been discussed with you, it is my expectation that you should have been kept fully informed and supported throughout.

It concerns me that you were not told by your named midwife that she was going on her break and that this handover was not explained to you and a full introduction from the staff member taking over care, my expectation is that you are centre to your care and all should be explained thoroughly with you. Continuity of care and clear communication is essential, and I regret that this was not upheld. Furthermore the dismissive response that you received when you requested a cervical examination, again the Midwife should have explained to you her rationale but ultimately respecting your wishes. Every woman deserves compassionate, supportive care during labour and ultimately their pregnancy journey, and I am sorry this was not your experience.

I also want to apologise for the comment made as you were leaving the delivery suite regarding breastfeeding. Being asked to cover up at such a precious time is inappropriate and insensitive. Breastfeeding should always be supported and respected, and I regret that your were made to feel ashamed.

Please be assured that I will discuss your feed back with the ward manager and be assured that your experience will be taken seriously and shared with the relevant teams to ensure immediate actions are taken. Your experience highlights areas of care that we must do better, particularly communication, respect and compassionate care. I am committed to ensuring your experience is shared.

Should you wish to reach out to me I have provided my email details below.

Kindest regards

Mary Dawson

Lead Midwife

mary.dawson@southerntrust.hscni.net

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