"My Wonderful Elective C-Section Experience"

I had an elective c-section at JCUH in October 2017 as my baby was breech. The care I received from all of the staff I met was exceptional and I was very well looked after. From booking in at the central delivery suite, to being discharged 24 hours later from the postnatal ward (ward 17) everything went really smooth and I was kept well informed throughout the whole process.

The c-section itself went as smoothly as it could have gone, and the surgeons, anaesthetist, nurses, theatre staff and midwife were all very friendly and caring, whilst maintaining a high level of professionalism. They helped make the delivery as natural as possible and asked if I wanted skin to skin, who I wanted to tell me what the sex of our baby was and other finer details from my birth plan. They respected all of my wishes and made the daunting experience one I will never forget (in a very positive way).

The care I received on ward 17 was exceptional and I was treated with dignity and respect by everyone I met. The midwives and nurses were very attentive and helped me settle in to motherhood and took their time in explaining what to do and how to care for a newborn, particularly as I was a first time mum.

The ward was clean and well equipped, and the meals provided were hot and tasty and there was plenty of choice. I was on a bay with 3 other ladies and their newborns, and whilst it was nice to have some company, the beds were well spread out so you could have some privacy and your own space if needed when visitors arrived.

I also received lots of antenatal care from the Early Pregnancy Unit and Maternity Assessment Unit as I had ongoing issues throughout my pregnancy. However all of the care I received was to a high standard and I felt very well looked after.

Overall, 10/10 for my antenatal and postnatal care from the Maternity Unit at JCUH. I would not hesitate to recommend to my family and friends and look forward to the care I will receive in the future.