This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Unplanned Home Birth

Posted By Isla123

"Unplanned Home Birth"

About: Aberdeen Maternity Hospital / Obstetrics (Maternity care) Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance

(as the patient),

At the beginning of September I woke up with some bladder pain. 90 minutes later I asked my partner to phone Aberdeen Maternity Hospital to say that although labour had only just started I was coming in for pain relief. The midwife could hear me in the background and based on that alone correctly deduced I was about to give birth right there in my bathroom.

My partner phoned 999 and while on the call my baby arrived. Around 20 minutes later the paramedics appeared for their first job of the day. I have contacted the Scottish Ambulance Service directly to convey my appreciation for the paramedics’ sensitivity and patience as I was in such a vulnerable condition. Myself and baby then made the ambulance trip into hospital for checks.

The midwives and all staff I met during my brief hospital stay were so supportive and it meant so much for them to acknowledge that I’d been through a very speedy and unusual labour. They were also so intuitive about what kind of person I am, and having established that my baby and I were in good health we were left to relax and cuddle in peace which was just what we needed after a hectic but brilliant morning.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Alan Martin, Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs and Engagement, Scottish Ambulance Service 2 years ago
Alan Martin
Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs and Engagement,
Scottish Ambulance Service

Submitted on 13/09/2021 at 10:18
Published on Care Opinion at 10:18

picture of Alan Martin

Dear Isla 123,

Wow what a story! Congratulations on the birth of your baby. I hope you are doing just grand and are at home getting more cuddles. It is incredible how sometimes baby just thinks, that's it I'm out of here and before you know it they appear. I have 2 children and the second one appeared very quickly after contractions started, I remember it vividly, I was in shock!

Thanks so much for writing and this and thank you for sending in the kind words. There are a huge amount of compliments being directed towards the Service at the moment from those who recognise the significant and sustained pressure we are currently under and also realising our staff do a tremendous job!

All the very best and I wish you many happy memories!

Kind Regards

Alan

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Liz Cheung, Lead Midwife for Maternity and Women Services, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, NHS Grampian 2 years ago
Liz Cheung
Lead Midwife for Maternity and Women Services, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 15/09/2021 at 16:11
Published on Care Opinion at 16:11

picture of Liz Cheung

Hi Isla 123,

As Alan rightly says, wow what a story. Babies especially the second ones can be quite unpredictable, when entering into this world. The speed that some of them do it would give Formula 1 a run for their money.

However joking aside, I am delighted to hear that everything went well and the midwife on the call gave you the best advice. It is also really reassuring to hear that the midwives that did care for you, were supportive and intuitive to your needs.

And also a well done from me to the Ambulance service too. We work closely with them and appreciate all their efforts, and also echo their point regarding the significant and sustained pressure that all our services are continuing to face and how much we appreciate this when it is acknowledged in this way.

Thank you for your kind words and let me wish you and your family all the best for the future.

Liz

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k