This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Fantastic care for my son and I at a scary time

Posted By s-ferg

"Fantastic care for my son and I at a scary time"

About: Forth Valley Royal Hospital / Maternity unit Forth Valley Royal Hospital / Neo-natal Intensive Care

(as the patient),

In May while away for work in Stirling I unexpectedly went into labour prematurely and ended up at Forth Valley maternity unit. I was 33 weeks and thought I had a severe stomach bug so was very shocked to discover I was about to give birth. From the moment I arrived the staff who looked after me were lovely and reassuring. I'm an anxious person (was meant to be getting a planned section at my local hospital) but I was thrown into a situation completely outwith my control and the midwives who delivered my boy helped make a potentially scary situation for me calm and smooth.

I was lucky my birth was quick and Ashley did an amazing job delivering my baby safely and stitching me up. As my son was 7 weeks early the neonatal staff were in the room again amazing people who let me have some skin to skin and enjoy special time post delivery. It was helpful that everything was explained to me before he was born so I wasn't alarmed that they came into the room as he was delivered. I then spent several days in the hospital while my son was looked after in the ICU. The nurses there were wonderful and the care for my son in those first few days I will be forever grateful. They also took the time to comfort me, spend time helping me learn to express so my son could get those crucial nutrients. The vibe in the unit was very calm and I did miss that when we got transferred to Wishaw which was a far busier unit. The staff also gave me the most beautiful neonatal journal which they started for me with lovely words and photos. It was really touching and I continued it when we were transferred. My overall impression of Forth Valley was that it was a clean environment, calm in albeit stressful situations and offered truly person centred care. If I had another baby I would like to go back there even though it's not my local hospital! Thank you 

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Gail Bell, Deputy Head of Midwifery, Women and Children, NHS Forth Valley 4 years ago
Gail Bell
Deputy Head of Midwifery, Women and Children,
NHS Forth Valley

Submitted on 01/10/2019 at 17:55
Published on Care Opinion at 17:55

Dear s-ferg

Thank you for taking the time to share such positive feedback and congratulations on the birth of your little boy. I hope you are both well and that you have recovered from the shock of his earlier than expected arrival!

Becoming a Mum for the first time can be quite overwhelming as well as exciting so it is great to hear that Ashley helped support you through your quick labour. Being cared for by a friendly midwife who is calm and in control of the situation can make a big difference.

Having your baby in neonatal is an extremely emotional and vulnerable time for parents so it is fantastic to hear that your neonatal experience and journey was such a positive one both in Forth Valley and Wishaw. I am sure you will treasure all of those early memories as you watch your wee boy catch up on his early start in life. Thank you so much for the wonderful comments about the staff who cared for you both. I know they will be over the moon to receive such praise as they always try to make care as individual and person centred as possible.

I know I can speak for the staff when I say that it would be a privilege to care for you with any subsequent pregnancies even though we are not your local hospital.

Once again many thanks for taking the time to share such fantastic feedback with us. I hope you are settling in to family life and enjoying every wonderful moment that your precious little boy brings.

With best wishes

Gail.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k