"The birth of my little boy"

I had to visit hospital three times in the run up to my labour due to a 3 day, exceptionally painful latent labour.  Maternity assessment were very kind and patient throughout. 

On my third visit, they gave me the option to stay as it seemed things might be starting.  I was brought up to the pre labour ward where I would spend the night while waiting for actual labour to begin. The midwife on duty (whose name I have sadly forgotten) was so lovely and had so much time for me.  She was really helpful with explaining painkillers and she got me a birthing ball.  She also recommended I have a bath. She was so kind.  

By the morning I was 5cm so I was brought down to a labour suite. The two midwives who were there were amazing.  One was a student, but they were both so involved and so motivating.  They really listened to me.  After 8 hours it was clear that the labour wasn't progressing the way it should have, and because of a previous c section scar it was explained to me that the safest thing to do was another c section.  I really wanted a VBAC but I didn't feel gutted because I knew the c section was the safest option and because I felt like I had the best care and assistance I could have had.  It felt like everyone was rooting for me and that they had all done what they could to make my VBAC happen. 

I was pretty out of it for the c section, but everyone in the operating theatre was brilliant too.  Then after, the midwives came to see me while my husband and I were in the recovery area with our beautiful little boy.  They got me tea and toast and even some jaffa cakes.  And offered to take a picture of us.  It's a picture that I am so happy I have.  

I spent around 24 hours in ward 73 after the birth.  Every staff member I encountered was empathetic, attentive and clearly cared about their jobs.  One midwife told me that I mustn't worry about pressing the buzzer for my baby to be lifted out of his cot, she would come as many times as required.  

In the previous hospital where I gave birth, a member of staff had dumped my baby in my arms with a dramatic sigh when I needed help.  I had felt very alone during my induction in that hospital and after the c section there no one had asked if I was hungry, even though I had been in labour for 14 hours. The Princess Royal Maternity Hospital was a completely different experience and I can't recommend it enough.  The staff are what made it so great for me.