"Poor birth experience"

I was happy with antenatal support.  Labour and postnatal support was patchy.  Epidural didn’t work and felt a staff member didn’t listen when something felt off until I was writhing in pain. Had to fine off the meds to encourage labour to redo to epidural.  In the day everything was fine but the same happened later on with the same staff member who didn’t listen the same thing happened. Labour induced for 3 days a whole day in the labour ward after breaking my waters.  Over an hour of active pushing. 

Afterwards we had some problems breastfeeding. I asked multiple staff members about latch and all said fine. They pushed formula rather than working on latch. My latch wasn’t okay.  Just because nipple doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean latch is ok. I asked to be referred to infant feeding team multiple times a day, stayed in to get support, which never materialised.  

I finally met IFT nearly 6 weeks postpartum after nearly having a nervous breakdown about bf failure. I feel there needs to be better training in bf rather than simply pushing the alternatives. My early newborn experience was hampered by people assuring me everything was fine when it wasn’t. One staff member showed me how to put together a pump part but missed out a piece. When I asked what to do with that their response was that they didn't think they needed it. When I said it came from the pump after last use and it was needed the puzzled out where it went.  

I’ve given up on breastfeeding as a result of the support.  If the NHS and Scottish government really want to increase breastfeeding then I think adequate training and support are needed.  Including weekend hours for the infant feeding team.  You shouldn’t miss out if you happen to give birth on/near the weekend.  Every day not effectively breastfeeding makes the transition back to breast harder.