"The Anaesthetist was lovely, making me..."

What I liked

The Anaesthetist was lovely, making me feel a little more relaxed and calm. I was very nervous and anxious about the spinal block and I felt reassured. The Surgeon was nice - although I was annoyed I was prepared for theatre and then sent for a last-minute scan to ensure position of baby hadn't moved, despite me saying she had not - had to walk through the hospital barely dressed and still very nervous about the impending op. Operation went well, I was not as worried during and was soon excited about my baby.

What could be improved

My aftercare was awful. I was treated like a hysterical, over-reacting new mother, who the staff had seen plenty of before. I was alone, could not move to pick my baby up from the cot because of my wounds/stitches, would eventually fall asleep/baby would fall asleep and we would be promptly woken by staff to make sure feeds had happened (when they had), or woken by other babies on the ward who would not stop screaming. I wanted to return home where my partner could care for me in a much better way, but was denied this. I was eventually given my own room as I think the staff were sick of my crying. I told them I was tired of struggling (and being in pain) to pick my baby up to change and feed her - they said to just press the buzzer for help. I'd press the buzzer and the staff would take a long time to tend to us, and then act as if they had much more important things to be doing. I felt so unwelcome and a real burden.

Anything else?

I am due my next baby soon and am hoping that things have improved since my last stay - I am considering paying privately - not that I can really afford it. If I need another caesarian I hope to be able to pay privately as I never want to experience the aftercare like I did at Kings Mill, again.