"Positive birth experience"

My baby was born at the start of August this year. I had my previous baby at Croydon University hospital a couple of years ago and the experience was not as hoped so was a little nervous second time round but had a very positive experience.

My initial contact was with triage after my waters broke in the middle of the night. The midwife was lovely and gave the relevant information and sent us away to wait for labour to start. Unfortunately it didn't so I was admitted to the antenatal ward the next morning for induction. 

We were left for a little while on the antenatal ward as it was shift change but whilst waiting I did receive breakfast. We then met Becky who explained the process to myself and husband. I was then offered a sweep rather than formal induction due to contractions starting. Everything moved rather quickly following the sweep which meant I had to be rushed to the labour ward. Becky stayed with us during the transfer down the corridor just in case the baby was born on the way. 

We were introduced to our midwife Jo and also student Natalie. We also received support from midwives Bev and Tilly. Jo was lovely and was supportive. Despite not having time to read our birth plan she was able to work with me to explain what she needed to do whilst trying to ensure I was comfortable. Bev and Tilly did a great job of keeping me calm as it all happened so quickly. Our daughter was born not long after arriving on the labour ward and was a wonderful experience despite our brief contact with the staff there. 

We are so grateful to all the staff we met in all areas of the maternity service.