"The labour and delivery of our first child"

We were admitted to the delivery suite at the Leicester Royal Infirmary in December last year for the induction of labour as we were expecting our first child.

The receptionist on the ground floor who was our first point of contact was unfortunately unfriendly and very abrupt however we were greeted by the warmest smiles by the midwifery team the moment we arrived at the delivery suite.

Whilst at the induction ward, we were cared for by a lovely nurse named Gemma and her bedside manner was excellent on all counts, she was reassuring, approachable and very caring. She made us feel so at ease.

After some observations we were moved to our delivery room where we were then cared for by a lead midwife (I can only apologise as I cannot recall her name) and student midwife Flick (whom we had previously met during a community consult). Both were incredibly supportive, patient and so attentive to our needs throughout our long labour. 

Midwife Gladys then took over as the team's shifts changed and she again was very caring and attentive. 

We were then taken to the operating theatre for a caesarean section, the surgical team was led by surgeon  Shaik who had incredible bedside manner and was so reassuring and friendly. The entire theatre team was brilliant and professional and the wonderful anaesthetist took time to chat and reassure me. 

The last midwife who looked after us before discharge, Jeanette, was also very approachable, helpful and caring.

We were so well looked after by the amazing maternity services team at the LRI and cannot praise them enough. We left with such elation and positivity despite a long/ bumpy labour thanks to their brilliant care.