"Induction of Labour"

The RCM itself has a guideline for induction recommending continuous birth partner support, women feeling in control and given opportunities to be involved in decision making and consent achieved, wherever possible provide aids, privacy, space to mobilise (none in a 4 bedded bay, could barely fit the ball in next to the bed), birthing balls, water immersion, peaceful settings to rest and sleep.

At no point was I asked my preferences, I had to ask for things like birthing balls, monitoring on a ball instead of a bed,I had no privacy or space.

I waited hours to be able to get in a bath because it was in use. My main birth partner couldnt stay thanks to there not being siderooms which I understand but why on earth would you put a birthing woman in a room full of post natal mums with crying babies?! That is not at all helpful or conducive to labouring. 

My first midwife in the delivery suite was wonderful and calming and respected my choices to avoid lying on the bed and worked with me. She explained everything. 

Then the nightshift started.

I had a midwife give me an injection when I am pretty confident I said no - although some memories are foggy which is why I havent taken further action. I had the same midwife argue with me when I said I didnt want the injection to get the placenta out and had agreed a natural third stage with my medical team. I had a midwife make jokes about missing their dinner break because I gave birth, whilst I was lying in bed after a spinal, feeling very vulnerable. It made me feel awful.

My golden hour I got as in baby left on my chest but no one left the room, lights were kept bright -I was having my tear checked out but still I had very little alone time before going to theatre.

I had to be my own advocate every step of my stay and it was exhausting. I did not feel like people really tried to get informed consent and there was ageneral culture of, we know whats best for you so just do what we say.

The theatre team were amazing on the other hand. My anesthetist in particular was incredible, he made me feel at ease and actually talked me through everything he was doing. And the whole room was nice and quiet and calm.

Post labour the ward experience was OK, its still really hard to be left alone at night after 2 days in labour, I was exhausted and had a jaundiced baby who needed waking 3 hourly. The ward rounds could have done with giving advice written down it was hard to retain information when sleep deprived with a baby breastfeeding during the conversation.

One other lovely person I met was the pelvic floor physio she was really clear and made me feel comfortable. She was really helpful and have written information too.

I cant remember any names as it was 2019 and ive only just felt able to write one of these. I dont plan on giving birth in the RAH again if i can avoid it, overall it was a pretty negative experience for me.