"Maternity experience 17-18/4/17"

I was booked in for induction on Monday 17th April 2017 as I was 13 days overdue. Once I arrived at Qa the midwife running the induction ward was quick to explain the process and settle myself and my husband in. Each time I was checked on everything was explained well so I felt 1). Informed 2). Consulted and 3). Secure with knowledge.

The midwife on the night shift for the induction ward, again monitored me and explained each and every part of the process making me feel extremely comfortable to ask any silly question.

The next morning (18th April 17) my husband returned and we decided to wall the corridors to encourage the baby out! On returning to the ward I let the midwife on duty know that my contractions felt stronger and more intense. They were quick to monitor me and put my mind at rest. At 1pm my waters broke naturally. The labour ward was extremely busy so it was explained to me that I couldn't go through yet. The midwives continued to check on me and update me regularly, well more my husband than me as I was a tad preoccupied! On being taken to the labour ward my midwife for the night was quick to explain the process continually putting my mind at rest and ensuring I was well informed and supported. This midwife also ensured my husband Dave was aware of what was going on also. Due to my babys heart rate dropping each time I contracted I had registrars and anaesthetists visiting me to explain all options and possibilities. Every single person who came in was amazing, they were understanding and had fantastic bed side manner, especially with a person contracting constantly and having to repeat info over and over due to my lack of energy!

I decided to have an epidural after contracting for around 48 hours! Noone 'judged' my decision and ensured they supported whatever I thought was right for me and my baby. The anaesthetist who gave me my epidural was extremely calm and ensured I had all the info and fully understood. They also continued to check on me thoughout the evening. A huge thank you to staff who monitored myself and the baby so closely and also assisted in the deliver of my son. They were so good at explaining every decision and possibility. They encouraged me at every opportunity and also provided my husband with information and support, which was so important and helpful as sometimes the dads to be can be left out.

I managed to give birth naturally which throughout noone was sure would be the case due to the baby's heart rate. This was completely down to the team supporting me and the fact that myself and my husband felt in control of the decision making process at every stage.

All in all a huge thank you to the team at Qa in b6 & b7, I couldn't be happier with our experience. Thank you from us all, Naomi, David and Charlie Gatland