"The midwife looking after me was very cold towards me"

My antenatal care at DRI was excellent. I felt really cared for by all the staff who saw me. I'm also a member of staff at DRI and work in the Obs & Gynae Department.

I feel very upset, though, about the treatment I received when I was admitted in labour to DRI. When I arrived on the delivery suite, I was made to feel unwelcome, and they said, "we were not expecting you here yet". I was let in a side room on the ward until I could be seen. I was having contractions every three minutes, which were excruciating and had no pain relief. I was crying in pain and made my husband get someone to see me. A midwife came and reluctantly examined me; I was 5cm dilated. She made me feel like I was making a fuss and that I was only in early labour and that I should stop overreacting. Then when she examined she was shocked by how far on in my labour I was. The midwife looking after me was very cold towards me. She didn't support me or show any compassion at a time when I needed it the most. After delivering my baby I was left on the bed for a long time before any staff came to help me get bathed or check over my baby. The whole experience was horrible, if I ever have anymore children, they will be delivered at home.