"Care and attitude during labour and delivery"

Last month I gave birth to my baby girl thanks to the support of an amazing midwife and student midwife.  They were both fantastic during labour and delivery and I genuinely cannot thank them enough. They were so reassuring and helped keep me calm through a difficult labour. When the midwife came on shift in the morning she could see how distressed I was after begging the nightshift midwife from 2am when I was 4cm dilated for an epidural, as I was in so much pain during a back to back labour. She swiftly organised for me to have my waters broken and an epidural as I was still 4cm dilated since 2am and not progressing despite thick and fast agonising contractions with no break in between. The night shift midwife kept refusing me an epidural telling me for around 5 hours that the anaesthetist was attending a c section. I found this hard to believe for 5 hours. Anyway thanks to the midwife who contacted the anaesthetist when she seen me in pain and distressed after starting day shift and her swift response in helping me control my pain. 

I wish I could praise all staff like I can these two members of staff but unfortunately this is not the case. I was very disappointed and disheartened by the attitude of the senior nurse who was on duty.  I found her to be very rude, unprofessional and felt that she showed complete lack of respect. 

I suffer from a condition called fibromyalgia and this condition has had a debilitating effect on my physical and mental wellbeing and has hugely impacted my life since I became unwell. Every day is a battle for me. During my labour through the night i was in so much pain worsened by back to back labour, likely intensified due to fibromyalgia and I was completely depleted of energy. The senior nurse came on day shift when i was begging for an epidural and myself, my partner and my friend all witnessed her trying to belittle me in front of her colleagues - that's how it felt to me. Her comment was in a sarcastic tone and I quote ...."YOU need to wait for an epidural, YOU need an anaesthetist to give YOU that because YOU have FIBROMYALGIA." She emphasised the words you each time. As she said the word fibromyalgia she changed her tone, rolled her eyes and smirked as she nudged the midwife standing next to her. It felt like she was clearly mocking me.

There was absolutely no need for her to make that comment, when, as I understand, anyone who needs an epidural requires an anaesthetist to do so. And she had no right commenting on my diagnosed health condition sarcastically, when such condition is in fact classed as a disability under the equality act.

If that comment was made in a work setting by my boss, then it would be classed as bullying and discrimination and I would have grounds to take her to an employment tribunal. So for a senior nurse to behave in such a way with a patient in a very vulnerable state like child birth I find it absolutely disgusting. As a registered nurse myself I am aware of the values in our profession such as beneficence, deontology, equality and diversity and I feel this person in a high position of trust goes against these values and against the nursing and midwifery councils code of conduct. If the comment was referring to sexuality or race it would be discrimination just as much as belittling someone due to their disability. I would never dream of treating a patient in such a way. 

It has taken me time to write this review due to caring for a newborn but I do plan to make an official complaint when i get the opportunity. 

Again I cannot fault the care I received from two members of staff. They were outstanding. Caring, professional and absolute angels. It's just unfortunate the senior nurse didn't have their bedside manner.