"Maternity wishaw general"

I was recently in ward 23 for observations due to early contractions, however, I entered triage with sciatica pain to be told I was in early labour. This was a shock to myself. I was kept at triage for hours examined by two midwives and two consultants as baby was measuring well past 36 weeks. I was examined and told I was 2cm dilated cervix soft. I was contracting every 5 minutes. This was my third baby so I know what a contraction feels like. I was advised I would be taken to ward 23 for observations then examined if no progress I could go home to my other kids. I was left for three hours before I was even checked or given a jug of water. No communication at all they waited till nightshift started before I was put on a trace. I was then told I was contracting and they wanted to keep me in and was told three times I would not be safe to go home. So despite my objections, I remained on the ward.

I was given a ball and told to bounce away. I was then checked by a midwife and she stated she could feel no contractions to then ask for a second opinion to be told yes definitely contracting put on a trace and was contracting 70-100. Not offered any pain relief had to ask for some to be given paracetamol. I got no sleep in the ward at all. I was so uncomfortable but wasn't a priority as two girls were being induced with gel but no contractions. I was made feel like a nuisance. I was offered nothing. Day shift midwife comes in and shouts at me for bouncing on the ball was told it was irresponsible to want my labour to start. I was advised the consultant would be in to see me.

Consultant arrived not read any of my notes stood there with a smirk on their face and said u were told u could go home. I advised them that this was not this case at all they just laughed and said well it's not about last night it's about now and if I was contracting I would be in labour by now so it's just braxton hicks and they will do nothing I had just to go home after my trace.Trying to talk to the consultant to explain that I know what a contraction feels like and that I was dilating they didn't care.

I lay down for my trace but was so upset and angry I got up from the bed and stormed out the room to the bathroom with a midwife following me and shouting at me explaining the consultant was too busy. I broke down in tears explained I was under the perinatal team on high dose medication for post natal depression I was in a bad place and was fed up of the poor communication and being spoken to like a child. I then advised that I was a nurse for the NHS and was hurt at the treatment received. The midwife did apologise and say she could see why I was frustrated I broke my heart crying because I didn't want to hog a bed I wanted home to my kids the night prior but was told No.

Was given another trace still the same and by this stage, baby was distressed because I was so upset. Eventually allowed home but completely dreading my return the new systems in place for maternity are shocking and this has been a horrific experience for myself. The fact the maternity did not fully read my notes is detrimental to both me and my baby as I was out in a state of distress by consultant and midwives. I will be ensuring that my perinatal team have consulted with midwives before my return as I can not experience that again.