"Pregnancy and home birth experience"

I recently gave birth and cannot praise the nhs and midwives highly enough for their care throughout my pregnancy and home birth.

When around 8weeks pregnant I suffered with hyperemesis which resulted in being admitted to the unit at Aberdeen maternity hospital. The staff were amazing and although busy always had time for you and I felt very well looked after while there. They were thorough checking my bloods and any abnormalities as well as ensuring I was able to eat and drink before being sent home, they  certainly did not rush this and with two extra scans and the correct medication I was sent home when they were sure I was well enough and not before.

Although this was in Aberdeen  the rest of my care was with the Peterhead team of midwives. Again all staff I had any dealings with were friendly,professional and always helpful. At all times I felt like they were understanding of any concerns or enquiries I had and were always happy to help or reassure me. My own midwife who I saw for routine appointments was especially so. From ensuring I was as well as possible by getting the correct medications (especially with the hyperemesis and later with acid reflux), to arranging all aspects of my home birth and  helping with questions or concerns I had, I again always felt well looked after and that when it came to me and my baby they were happy to help.

Although I was given a tour of the labour rooms at Peterhead, which were tempting to go for as they looked a lovely place to give birth, I decided to opt for a home birth. Again all questions I had regarding this were answered in a supportive and positive manner. Nearer the time my midwife visited my home, discussed my plans then arranged  for everything we needed for the birth.

When it came to labour my midwife was on call and was at my home within 30mins of phoning Peterhead and the second midwife was just a little after that too- thankfully as baby made a quick appearance so we didn't have much time to play with! I cannot rate my home birth experience highly enough, both midwives were professional, supportive and reassuring throughout and very much were led by my wishes in my birthing plan. This was during a time when co-vid 19 meant many of us had concerns  and worries about how this would affect our labours, however my experience was extremely positive.  All staff throughout my pregnancy, birth and first few days with baby deserve to be thanked  and praised as I feel I had a great level of care thanks to them all!