"Positive birth story"

I was a first time mum and very apprehensive about the birth because of COVID and due to my complex medical issues. Because of the medical issues it was advised that I had  my baby at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley instead of locally which meant a 2hr journey.

I was due to travel down to the RAH for a scan and a consultation with the obstetrician (I had been experiencing what I thought were Braxton hicks throughout the night) and although the pains became stronger thought I would still travel anyway, taking two paracetamol and hoping they would ease, we set off. 

On arrival at RAH and walking up the killer hill …. why oh why is maternity at the top of a hill !!!! (stopping every few paces due to what I now know were contractions) I decided to pop up to triage to get checked over before my ultrasound scan. Even though I hadn't rang first I was greeted by Diane the triage midwife who was wonderful, without any problems she took me through, did all my observations, liaised with the consultant and thoroughly put me at ease explaining at every stage what the plan was.

Much to her surprise and mine I was 8cm and was definitely not going for my scan but straight through to labour ward, unflustered even after putting all plans in place which had now all changed she referred me to labour ward where I felt so lucky again with the care I received from Rhona.

What can I say, Rhona is dedicated, caring, knowledgeable , patient, understanding, thoughtful of needs, reassuring and certainty gave me the emotional and mental strength to birth my daughter, what an asset to the maternity team at the RAH, words of thanks will never be enough I hope she continues to practice midwifery for many years to come so other women can have the positive experience I had during my time on Labour ward. Thank you so much Rhona I know I wasn't the easiest of patients but you made me feel like I was, and for that my birth story will be one of positivity.