"Maternity unit during lockdown"

I was in Wishaw maternity unit in April, I arrived at 8am for a planned induction as i was 41 +5. I was worried and scared, due to the ongoing covid19 situation i was expected to go in alone. I didn't want my partner not to be allowed in, how could i do this alone? I didn't know what to expect regardless of my wonderful midwife putting my mind at ease, this wasn't going to help. So as I walked up to the doors and said my good byes I went into the ward. 

I was shown my bed, it was by a window I was so thankful for a window. I was overwhelmed with sadness as I was now alone. After I had a moment (they must have Known) I was fine. The ward held four beds, each midwife, nurse and auxiliary staff member came to say their hellos and this really helped me massively, I didn't feel like I was alone anymore.  

We quickly started the process, I was put on the monitors and everything was explained to me what will happen. So I got comfortable, I was safe and being looked after. Everything went well and the pessary was placed and now it was time for the wait. 

You could tell that the staff was overwhelmed due to the new rules, pending threat of the virus and colleagues being off, however, don't take my words negatively, their care for me was never rushed, never lacked and they were always cheerful and happy to talk to me. They were at the beginning of a very unusual time, something we have never dealt with the likes before. 

I got a lovely lunch and dinner, all the time I was looked after and informed as to what was happening. I remember one midwife as she shared a name with my late gran Elsie she was just lovely, but everyone was.

I settled in thinking I was in for the night, however, I started to feel uncomfortable around 8 and I was given paracetamol without hesitation. As the contractions got further along I was given more pain killers as required. I was really sore but had maxed out on what I could have at around 1ish, this was time for the bath. Normally I love baths, I was reluctant as I was sore and couldn't think of anything worse. They convinced me to take one, it wasn't so bad, in fact it took my mind off it momentarily, however, I felt ill and had to come out. 

It was time to examine me and thankfully I was  a couple of cm, and not long after that I was 5cm. I was so happy I was getting my partner back. So I was helped along the hall and taken into this huge birthing room. It was so clean, organized, I felt safe and my partner was now rushing over to meet me. I had a lovely midwife in with me keeping me sane. 

She had me rigged up with the gas and air in no time and was monitoring me. I was offered the holy grail the epidural, and I accepted. 

My partner was there, the atmosphere was relaxed (other than the pain of the contractions), I was even offered to have my drinks put in the fridge to keep them cool. This small little act was above what I expected I was so happy. 

The anaesthetist showed up, this bit was a bit of a blur my contractions were strong and close together, however, after I got my jag. As we were about to get started with my epidural unfortunately he was called away to an emergency section. I was fine, someone else needed it more, because he wasn't long out the room when I needed to push! 

I still feel I need to appologized for my awful language during contractions, but everyone was just so lovely took it in their stride. 

At 7:44am my daughter was born 8lb 3oz 65cm a perfect tiny girl. 

I got my skin to skin, we spent time staring at her. The midwives were just amazing, it was over I wasn't in any more pain. In our room, our perfect bubble you wouldn't know we were at the start of a lockdown, a pandemic. 

The aftercare was super, we got the room for hours, we were fed and I got a shower. Then it was time to go home.

The care I received was second to none, other than my partner not being there during induction you wouldn't know a pandemic was going on. You wouldn't notice any difference and this is down to the midwives, nurses and auxiliary staff. Their care was exceptional, they looked after one anxious first time mum and I am so grateful to every last one of them. My only regret is that I didn't retain names (my memory is the worst). My care I have received from Wishaw has been wonderful, they took care of my during previous miscarriages, scans and physio appointments. Everyone I have met or dealt with has been informative, helpful, kind and put me at ease. I have never felt rushed or forced into any unwanted decisions. I would highly recommend the whole department to anyone who is expecting or planning. 

Thank you, you are all super heroes. I wanted to send flowers but my order was cancelled due to the restrictions. I hope my story, my experience is enough to let you know how grateful I really am, my whole family is.. Thank you!