"Compassionate and responsive staff"

I was in Ward 72 to be induced and the midwives were all friendly and informative. After 24 hours I was ready to go to the Labour ward, but it took a couple of days to get there due to emergencies and the volume of labours/births. Once I was on the Labour ward, my waters were broken and I was started on a hormone drip.

For the first few hours I coped well with this, but then it all became a bit too much. The midwife (Rebecca) was very supportive for both me and my partner. She recommended various pain relief options. I was being sick and just felt like I couldn’t cope at all with the pain. Again, Rebecca continued to offer support and was respectful of my wishes.

I initially coped well, but after a few hours I was emotionally drained and distressed by everything, then baby wasn’t coping well. I can’t remember who came in the room but there were a few people. I remember Melanie the Anaesthetist and the Consultant who were both lovely. After 8 hours I was still the same 1cm dilated I’d been 3 days previously. I was in pain and baby was distressed.

An emergency section was recommended due to baby’s distress, which was either to be done by general anaesthetic or I think it was epidural. They explained the risks, gained consent and then I was in an operating room.

I found the whole experience terrifying, but the staff all did an amazing job at reassuring me and updated my partner until he could join me. Even during the epidural (I’m terrified of needles) they kept me informed and relaxed. I don’t remember a lot from that night because I had myself so emotionally distressed, but my baby arrived safely  and I just want to thank everyone who played a part in looking after me and my baby that night. They might not be here today if it wasn’t for their quick reaction and compassion in supporting me and my partner during a difficult time.