"Exceptional maternity care"

My last birth experience at another hospital was so awful I opted to give birth and have my maternity care at Forth Valley. From start to finish the experience has been the polar opposite from my first; I have been validated, I have been listened to and I have received the best care. This pregnancy has been plain sailing for me, I’ve kept as healthy as I can and had little to no complications. For context, my previous labour ended in episiotomy and forceps and was incredibly traumatic.

First of all I’d like to talk about midwife Mary - Last week I had to attend triage for contractions. Mary offered the best advice, gave me a really detailed insight into my body, told me what I was going through and explained everything SO well! The contractions died down and she advised me to go home, rest but not hesitate if I needed to come back and that she’d be on the end of the phone if I needed her.

My next trip to triage 2 days later, I had Michaela. I was in because I’d woken up in the night having contractions again, took paracetamol and went back to sleep but throughout the next day I barely felt my baby. Michaela made me feel valid, put me at ease and listened to me when I said I didn’t feel right about my reduced movements. I cried, when she said the doctor was happy to offer me an induction and explained everything - out of happiness! I thought - At last a hospital that listens, cares about their patients and wants to give anxious mums the reassurance they need. Michaela and the team were fantastic, I received excellent advice over the phone from the ward sister (I’m so sorry I can’t remember her name!) before I came in that also put me at ease. I was booked for induction the next day and all of my anxiety fell away. I felt that baby had been trying to get things going for a few days and it hadn’t happened. Baby seemed off and a lot more tired so for me, although it was the last thing I originally wanted, an induction felt the best plan for us both. I listened to my body and the FV midwives/doctors listened to me, for that I will be eternally grateful.

Over the next few days, I started my induction process on ward 8 and although it has been a long one, it’s been a SAFE one. I’ve never felt so at ease. I missed my eldest child like mad but every single midwife in charge of my care on ward 8 from this day was absolutely incredible; from explaining the process to empowering me to be positive I just cannot thank them enough. The process never felt rushed, my pain was managed and I was incredibly well looked after by everyone - the domestics, the odd HCSW I came across and the midwives. Ward 8 have been wonderful and made this experience such a positive one. I don’t remember all the names of the staff but Kirsty, Susan and Suzanne were excellent.

I won’t go into details but I’ve never let a man examine me and the consultant David was so wonderful and compassionate he totally put me at ease for examination and performing ARM. After a chat about my history with the midwives and meeting him,I felt confident enough to accept his exceptional care. But huge thanks has to go to my incredible midwife Jennifer - I gave birth to my little boy in 4.5hrs on just gas and air. This was her first official day as a trained midwife and she is going to be amazing. With help from Abi and Snr midwife, Alison, towards the very end, my labour was exceptional. I’m so incredibly grateful for the care and compassion I received throughout. Abi also provided me with excellent after care and showed me some breast feeding techniques; I am going home a second time mum and first time breast feeder thanks to this great experience.

Apologies for the long review but I know that reading these reviews on care opinion is important for mums like myself who are looking for a positive birth experience - forth valley certainly delivered! Thank you thank you thank you. Truly amazing. I’ve tried to collect names as I go but it’s been a struggle! Just know that ALL of these people working maternity at a busy time of year and no doubt under staff shortages are doing the most wonderful job of putting mums like me at ease. Absolute angels. It’s been emotional and wonderful.