"Labour and delivery of my first baby!"

I had my little girl in the Queen Elizabeth Univeristy Hospital in Glasgow in February and wanted to take the time to thank some of the staff who looked after me during my labour and delivery, as well as in the post natal ward. 

I arrived on the afternoon before and went to maternity assessment. The midwife who looked after me was fantastic! After examination I was told I was 3cm dilated and my husband could come and join me as I’d be moving to the labour ward shortly. The pain at this point was pretty intense already and the midwife was incredible at helping me manage my contractions and keeping me as calm as possible. 

When we arrived in the labour ward the next midwife initially looking after us wasn’t great. She was generally quite rude and dismissive and as I was really struggling with the pain at this point her attitude was quite disheartening. I was refused access to a birthing pool, told I would need to remain in bed for constant monitoring and that I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything other than water. Having done hypnobirthing I knew my rights and that eating and drinking shouldn’t have been denied. Although I had gestational diabetes, my consultant had advised I was incredibly healthy and there was no need for labour restrictions to be placed on me (such as no birthing pool/continuous monitoring). I found the pain difficult to manage as I wasn’t allowed to move from the bed so opted for gas and air, followed by an epidural to help me manage the pain. The staff members who administered my epidural were absolutely amazing and kept me calm and informed. 

When the shift staff changed to night shift I was joined by 2 wonderful midwifes. They were so kind, supportive and friendly. They told me what was happening each step of the way, why they were doing certain tests and checks and were very considerate of my feelings. With them in the room my husband and I instantly became more relaxed and actually enjoyed the process more.

Following several hours with my epidural, a hormone drip to keep contractions going and having my waters broken, I was stuck at 8cm dilated and baby was beginning to get a little stressed...baby had also done a poop inside so there were concerns regarding this also. At this point a doctor came in to assess and advised they’d leave me for another few hours to progress, but a c section may be required. After a few more hours I was assessed again and it was decided surgery was the best option. I was initially a little upset with this, however the staff offered great comfort and reassurance. I met with the anaesthetist who was so lovely and explained all surgical procedures to me. 

Throughout my time in theatre everyone I have mentioned, along with so many more staff, were all on hand to offer words of encouragement and support to my husband and I. The c section went smoothly and before I knew it we were in recovery with our healthy baby girl! 

When I was moved to the postnatal ward (ward 50, I think!) my husband had to leave. I was pretty terrified at being alone with my new baby girl as I was still numb and unable to move my legs due to the anaesthetic I had been given. I needn’t have worried though as I was given outstanding care and support in the ward by the staff, specifically one person who offered help and encouragement with breastfeeding (I honestly don’t believe we’d have had a successful breastfeeding journey with her!) and provided moral support to me as I was quite nervous as a first time mum looking after a tiny baby! 

I cannot thank all the staff at QEUH enough for the care provided to me and my little one during this time. I honestly wish I could thank them all individually in person as they truly were amazing!