"Reflecting on my three experiences of maternity services"

After the birth of my second child I have had time to reflect on my three, very different experiences with lanarkshires maternity services. My first pregnancy unfortunately ended in miscarriage and when I presented to Wishaw A+E as it was late at night on a weekend I was told that I was probably having a misscarrige and that there was nothing that could be done and that there was no one available to scan me. I didn't have a single test and received no follow up what so ever. My second pregnancy was classed as high risk due to me having a heart condition at birth yet when I was in labour I spent several hours in a waiting room in triage where no one checked me or spoke to me despite my waters having broken several hours earlier and my contractions worsening. When I eventually got through to the labour ward my experience changed and the midwife that delivered my baby was fantastic. My third pregnancy, I was part of the best start initiative in the community which was fantastic from start to finish. My midwife Gillian was excellent and when I went into labour I felt much more at ease and confident to stay at home longer knowing that there was someone on call to see me at home and follow me to the hospital when required. Donna saw me at home and accompanied me to the hospital where she delivered my baby and the experience was a complete contrast to my first  labour. This was a much more holistic, patient focused approach and the outcome was a much happier mum, dad and baby. Massive thank you to the midwives in larkhall. 

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