"Delivery experience"

I was admitted to Queen's hospital, Romford when my water broke at 39 weeks + 5days.I was moved to the labour ward upon admission as the water was green in colour (meconium stained). I was given an option of normal birth with close monitoring despite meconium staining.

The nurse who cannulated me did a poor job of it as the cannula was put on the wrist joint which prevented my wrist movement!!!! This was the beginning of the many problems that occurred through the stay! 

My little one's heart rate quickly became a cause for concern and it was decided to go ahead with a c section. The oncall consultant (name withheld) introduced themselves and explained the next steps. 

I wad wheeled into the theatre wherein a doctor came in and introduced themselves as the operating surgeon. They were a registrar, so i expected the oncall consultant to supervise the surgery but they were nowhere to be seen in theatre!!! 

When my husband was allowed into the theatre, nobody bothered to talk to him, explain what was planned!!! The operating surgeon never bothered acknowledging his presence, given the fact that i, the patient was all groggy for having used gas and epidural during trial for normal labour!!!! 

After my little one arrived, I wasn't allowed skin to skin in theatre despite prior request. 

I was moved into the HDU, where my little one was given to me for a feed. I was still all groggy from the procedure. 

I requested that the baby be given formula on top of breastfeeding to avoid low sugar(as i was diabetic during pregnancy). Instead of giving a small amount as per the baby's tummy capacity, he, being a newborn was given nearly 30mls!!!!!! I wonder if the midwives are even aware of the science of baby feed!!!!! 

Then began the actual nightmare! My husband was sent home after an hour due to Covid restrictions! 

I was alone with the newborn overnight who refused to latch properly. The midwives, though answered my calls for help each time, were slightly rough with getting the baby to latch. One of them actually gave the baby a further 50 mls of formula as he was slightly low on sugar after a couple of hours!!!!! 

The next day on, i was expected to do everything by my self for the baby, though it was day 1 post surgery!!! Though seems like this was to get me on my feet, the expectation is unrealistic, given what all a lady goes through after a major surgery!!! 

In summary, 

1) The midwives demonstrated no clue about the science of baby feeding,... My newborn's tummy was stretched with huge quantities of milk in the first 24hrs of birth... We were not explained the importance of colostrum and it being sufficient for the baby at all. 

2) The golden hours with my baby was ruined for me due to the Covid situation.