"Undivided care and attention from the..."

What I liked

I gave birth on 10.4.11 at the Midwife-led Birthing Unit in the new Maternity Wing of the hospital. We buzzed the door at the upper-level drop-off point and were received by the midwife who was waiting by the lifts. We were led to the delivery room which was large, clean, bright and well-equipped. I had my own bathroom and that was ample space for bags, mini hi-fi (i brought my own music), tea trays and a workstation for the midwife.

I laboured on a very low bed/couch which had room for the midwife to sit at the foot of the bed and and my husband at the top of it. Gas and Air is 'on tap' and piped into the walls so no need for cumbersome tanks!

Midwife never left my side from the time they greeted us at the lifts, they examined me, confirmed that I was in established labour and coached and guided me through the 2.5 hours it took to deliver.

After baby was born, a second midwife assisted in checking baby over whilst the first wheeled in a full size hospital bed and administered my stitches. Both midwives came in regularly to check that I had finished my toast and tea, I was comfortable, helped me to the bathroom etc. They gave us 6 hours in the delivery room just to bond with our new baby before transferring us to the post-natal ward.

I was lucky to have a side room with my own shower/toilet. Again, room was spacious, clean and comfortable. I missed breakfast and lunch wasn't anything to write home about but these are forgiving details.

It made such a difference the whole birthing experience.

What could be improved

Your roast dinners.