"Positive pregnancy and birth experience -QCH"

I chose to give birth at QCH with my first baby back in 2015. I didn’t have a particularly positive pregnancy and my labour wasn’t as I expected - mainly down to a very bad tear. Once I had gone home my community MW visited me and I explained everything that had happened and she arranged for the consultant MW for imperial to visit me at home.

I felt listened to and was able to voice my concerns.

When I found out I was pregnant in 2017 with my second baby, I contacted the Consultant Midwife again and asked her to support and guide me through this pregnancy and labour in the hope to have more control and positive experience this time around.

My whole experience at QCH during my pregnancy was great. Appointments were on time, the MW teams in the triage and antenatal clinics were supportive and kind. I also was referred to the pelvic physio team at QCH as I had a bad tear from my previous labour.

I saw the Consultant MW right up until I went into labour at 39 weeks.

We worked together on my birth plan and she advised on positions to labour and breathing. She also advised re writing my birth plan in the form of a letter to the MW who would look after me. She really helped me feel in control and I was confident and knowledgeable as the labour got closer.

I naturally went into labour at home at 9.15pm at 39 weeks. I called the triage who told me to come in straight away. When we arrived we were greeted by the triage MW who treated me with dignity and was kind.

She quickly transferred me to the labour ward.

I had 2 MWs and a medical student looking after me which was great. As soon as I was in the room at 10pm I knew I was going to have the baby quickly. I explained to the MWs I laboured quickly in my

Previous pregnancy and was scared to tear again.

I progressed very quickly (matter of minutes) and my baby was born at 10.35.

During the 35 mins in the labour ward the MWs were monitoring me and baby and I never felt scared or out of control. They really listened to me and took any fear I had away so I could just concentrate on pushing and breathing. I had a natural labour with just G&A (previously had worked well with my first labour)and was completely in control and able to push effectively.

I had a very very small tear which I believe is down to the MW helping and supporting the way I was pushing and also the consultant MW had previously advised on positions to labour.

QHC hospital is remarkable hospital to have either your labour in the birth centre or the labour ward. Access to medical expertise and knowledge in either setting.

I’ve had both my children on the labour ward, maybe next time I’ll try for the birth centre!

A very positive experience.