"I genuinely felt safe throughout"

Long story short, my labour didn’t go as planned and I had to have an emergency c-section after being in the hospital for around 24 hours.

Prior to the decision for a c-section, I was supported fully by the midwife team and anaesthetist team across 2 shifts, presumably back shift and night shift. The staff were all so lovely and friendly, it helped put me at ease and made me feel like my best interests and baby’s best interests were being prioritised.

We had a midwife on a 1-1 basis who was monitoring my baby’s health throughout the labour process. Her name was Lucy and she was an absolute star. When the shift changed, I was supported by Melissa ( I believe that was her name) and her student. When it became clear vaginal delivery was not an option due to baby’s position and heart rate, they wasted no time in ensuring a doctor was consulted and I was taken away to theatre immediately after the situation was explained to me.

My baby was born via emergency c-section. At this point, I couldn’t retain people's names as I was really distressed. All the staff who were in the theatre were absolutely amazing. They reassured me and made me feel safe, which was so important to me because I have never felt more vulnerable. My baby was born healthy and I don’t doubt that’s due to the quick decisions and excellent practice of the staff who delivered my baby. I cannot thank any of them enough. 

I was then in ward 68 for 2 days whilst I recovered. Again, all the staff were absolutely amazing and very responsive. If I buzzed, staff came immediately to support. They helped me when I was unable to move due to the spinal tap. They supported me in getting up and about and moving again. Rachael was especially lovely and helpful. 

Although my birth didn’t go the way I planned due to issues out with anyone’s control, I genuinely felt safe throughout. I think it’s so important to highlight that, as all I have been reading lately is issues relating to maternity care across the UK, and this must be so demoralising for a staff team who ultimately do a fantastic job with the resources they have.