"A mixed birth and postnatal recovery journey"

First of all, I want to say that overall we are happy with our birth experience however some aspects of it are disappointing and I feel these need highlighted.

I was booked in for a c section, and everyone that we met in Ward 7 were fantastic. We were greeted by lots of smiling faces and everyone put us at ease. The midwife who was looking after us throughout the morning and during theatre was amazing, introduced themselves and explained everything really clearly and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. We then spoke to the surgeons carrying out the procedure - again, introduced themselves, explained everything in a clear manner and ensured we had the opportunity to ask any questions. And our anaesthetist was super lovely and again, like there colleagues before them,  ensured we knew who they were and their role and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. Before we knew it, we were walking through to theatre. The Anaesthetist and their assistant done their part, making me feel so at ease during the spinal. They knew how anxious I was and were there holding my hand, giving me breathing tips and reassuring me throughout. Our midwife was also there reassuring me throughout. The room was filled with people, and I wish I could name everyone individually but unfortunately I can’t remember everyone’s names, but they were all fantastic. The anaesthetist kept us calm throughout, chatting to us and I knew I was safe hands with them. The surgeons, well, thank you. Ultimately you bought our baby in to the world safely and I don’t think a thank you is enough to show how grateful we are of you. Our midwife made sure our baby was happy and healthy after birth and kept us informed of what was happening at all times which I think is so important when going through something so major. Honestly, everyone in the theatre team was exceptional - who knew a c section could be such a positive experience? I was then taken to recovery and we were looked after by a nurse who was also fantastic. They monitored us throughout and I felt very safe and well looked after.

We then moved to Ward 8 which started as a positive experience but unfortunately I have left there with a mostly negative one. On admission to the ward, I was welcomed and we were monitored very well. Staff took an interest in baby’s feeding etc. I did however feel some staff on Ward 8 did not introduced themselves and I wasn’t sure of the makeup of the staff, who was looking after me specifically, who was in charge etc. The first night I got good support in regards to feeding, and help with my baby when asked for it. I was in a lot of pain and I was given painkillers when I needed them. On day 2, I was still in a lot of pain. I received my regular pain killers around 8am and at 11am I asked for extra painkillers and was told I was unable to have anything at this time. I’m an NHS staff nurse within Forth Valley and well clued up on pain relief and I knew I was able to get something as it had been over 8 hours since a breakthrough pain relief was given. I was too exhausted to argue when I was told no I couldn’t get anything and would have to wait. So I waited. And I asked again. I waited until around the afternoon then I eventually received some painkillers around 3 hours after asking which I don’t think is acceptable. I was also asked if I wanted to go home and I advised staff that I’d like to stay in as I was too sore and was told this was ok. I was then asked to start monitor babies peeing as they hadn’t peed and that was why I wasn’t getting home, I said baby had had multiple wet nappies so I was then told to go! I said no as previously discussed I was too sore. Because of this, apparently I wasn’t included in the handover so no one then asked me how I was getting on with baby feeding etc, even though I’d mentioned multiple times it was painful. I was also complaining of a swollen foot, I complained all day that it was in pain and my pulse was up. It wasn’t until the nightshift took me seriously and asked a Dr to review and they arranged a Doppler - thank you. It was negative but I’m glad it was looked at due to the pain. Now, the thing that upset me the most which made me leaving today feeling very deflated. I was very concerned about my babies skin in particular a rash. A rash which yes I’m sure is totally normal, but surely it is normal for a mum to worry also? I asked multiple staff yesterday about the rash to be told it is normal, but if it spreads to babies eye to let them know. So before discharge I just wanted to confirm again that the rash was ok - which it was. About 10 minutes before leaving I noticed the rash in the corner of baby’s eye so I buzzed and asked for someone to look at it. Told it was fine so I’m happy. However, my husband was leaving the ward and heard a member of staff say something along the lines of she’s asking about that bloody rash again, the rash is fine, now leave in a silly voice. We are only assuming it was about me and my concerns about my baby's rash, but even if not this is totally unprofessional and rude. Staff need to be more aware of what and how they are saying things. We left today feeling upset at Ward 8 but are now glad to be home with our baby.