"Labour and postnatal experience at Royal Oldham Hospital"

Initially came in at 40 weeks pregnant due to early contraction pain and reduced baby movements. Was seen immediately and taken to my own room in the antenatal assessment unit where baby and I were monitored for 2 hours. Although results were fine I was consulted by a doctor who suggested inducing labour by breaking my waters, to which I agreed. I was then given my own room in the antenatal ward where I spent the following 12 hours due to lack of beds in the labour ward. I was given a menu twice to order myself a meal, once for lunch, and once in the evening. The choices on the menu were wide and food really nice.

My waters broke naturally whilst still in the antenatal ward and after an examination I was taken straight over to my own room in the labour ward. I was taken care of by 4 midwives in total due to a handover part way through my labour. Each midwife was caring, friendly and helpful, although I was made to feel most at ease by the student midwife Alkansa who was amazing from start to finish. Without her my birthing experience would have been completely different.

After hours in labour and complications with baby's position I ended up having an emergency c-section. The whole process was dealt with as a matter of urgency and with professionalism, which of course was imperative. My aftercare since then in the postnatal ward has been brilliant as well, after realising my stay was going to be at least a week I was given my own room, as opposed to sharing a room with 4 other new mothers and babies. My husband has been able to stay with me, and although they are limited I was able to have a fold-out bed so he is also comfortable, which has been a massive help whilst recovering from a c-section. However midwives on the ward are very helpful and friendly and are at my bedside within minutes from me pressing the assistance button.

The only thing I've been unhappy with is the support with breastfeeding, several times I've been told a breastfeeding support worker would come and help but I still haven't seen her and am in a lot of pain due to lack of knowledge regarding milk expression and use of a breast pump etc.