"Midwife care during Covid-19 as a first time mum."

I arrived at hospital and was examined - I was not progressed enough to be admitted to the labour ward but due to needing more pain relief for the contractions I was offered a room on the antenatal ward. Aimee looked after me here and from the moment I met her I felt instantly relaxed in her care. She was warm and friendly and exactly what I needed in those moments, as a first time mum at a hospital alone without my husband during this pandemic! I knew Aimee would take good care of me and ensure I was looked after. 

The hours went on and I progressed enough To be admitted to labour ward where my husband could join us. Luckily for me, Aimee got to stay with us on Labour ward instead of going back to antenatal - this made my day, week, month year!!! My husband and I were over the moon, he could tell how much I trusted Aimee and he also knew I was safe in her care. 

As we went through the night, I was progressing well and using the birth pool and gas and air. Aimee was there with us holding my hand whilst my husband was busy holding the fan and water bottle! My blood pressure increased meaning I needed medication and unfortunately had to leave the pool. This was all explained to me carefully and I understood everything, again Aimee was there with us constantly talking to me and telling me how well I was doing. 

Aimee had to finish her shift around 8am and unexpectedly my labour ended in a c-section at 12:29, when our baby son was born. 

I missed having Aimee there, despite having two other great midwives take care of me, I felt a special connection with Aimee. Luckily she was on the postnatal ward that evening so I saw her again, and again, she was just fantastic. I truly believe she was made to do her job.

She is a kind and caring person and any woman who meets her and who she helps during labour is extremely lucky. She will always be very special to my husband, son and I. 

Aimee is wonderful at what she does and truly made my experience of labour enjoyable, calm and assuring. 

I had a not so great experience with another member of staff on Postnatal ward the day before I was discharge. I have since been advised that this member of staff is temporarily here to help during Covid-19. Whilst this experience was upsetting for me, it just reaffirmed what amazing care I had received from Aimee and other midwives (Lizzie and Anna included who were 

 also lovely!) during my stay in hospital.