"Labour suite, theatre and postnatal stay"

We recently had our baby boy, our 4th baby in July 19. Having had an elective section booked for 40 weeks, it was very scary and quite a shock when I began having contractions and bleeding at 34 weeks!  

From the second we walked into the labour suite at 4/5am, we were treated with such kindness and respect. We were cared for by a lovely midwife (Robyn)and student.   They were honest with us, but also made us feel relaxed and in safe hands! They were both so friendly, cheerful and upbeat which is exactly what we needed! Even managed to have a laugh with them whilst waiting for the verdict of what was happening next.

When I ended up in theatre for an emergency c-section every single person treated us well, talking us through what was happening, and what was happening next.   Making sure to introduce themselves. My dignity was upheld at all times, and I felt relaxed (as could be! ) And safe.     The surgeon took alot of care and time into stitching me up well, his words "it's a work of art, it cant be rushed and I was shocked at how neat and good it looked the next day- this being my fourth section I can definitely say it's been the neatest and quickest healing scar (shame he said no to my request of a tummy tuck whilst he was doing it hahaha! ! ) 

Unfortunately our baby was  a bit poorly and had to spend 3 days on the neonatal unit, 2 of those days on the intensive care.   The staff were all absolute angels, from support staff, nurses up to doctors.   Every single person kept us well informed about our baby,   encouraged us to be involved in his care, which in turn helped us bond with him.   Whenever I went down to see him and staff had changed over they would always make sure to introduce themselves, which although is a small thing was always appreciated.   We never felt in the way, and even our 3 crazy other children were welcomed with open arms!    

I ended up with a 7 day stay on Bonnington ward (the remaining 4 being with my baby) and every single midwife was brilliant! Always there when you needed but not overbearing either! Never did anything ever feel like to much trouble!   We had alot of involvement with the transitional care workers(especially Emma Yvonne Aaliyah) who were so kind, caring and dedicated! Even though they had plenty of people to care for, we were always treated like we were the only ones- we never felt rushed or like they were in a hurry (even though they probably were! ! ).

It was emotionally hard being in the hospital and away from my other children but being surrounded by lovely people really did make it easier.   Oh, and you never go hungry! Always biscuits and sandwiches on offer if you got peckish at night!   My whole experience, including antenatal care has been a good one. Antenatally under Mr Simm and team I always felt free to make my own choices, and free to request or decline what I wanted, but also given all the appropriate pros/cons/risks etc to make an informed choice!      

We dont plan on having anymore children but if we do we would without a doubt go back the City hospital. And I'll always recomend it to family and friends having babys!       Thankyou so much, and thankyou for delivering our baby safely!