"Antenatal & elective C-section experience"

I attended the Ulster Hospital for antenatal care and then an elective c-section between May & November 2021.

My experience of antenatal care at the Ulster was a real mixed bag. Our first scan was performed by a midwife who clearly loved the job, and had no problem taking the time to answer my questions regarding the covid vaccine in pregnancy. This unfortunately was followed up by a staff member who didn’t even take the time to look at me when speaking to me during the detailed history portion of the booking appointment, and rushed through her checklist of what she had to complete in my notes to get me out the door. Our second scan was performed by an excellent sonographer who took the time to explain everything to my partner & I, before I met a midwife who was efficient and friendly. 

After this I’m afraid the antenatal care went downhill and I was left hating the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy due to the staff I encountered. It would actually put me off having any further children. 

There are 3 exceptions to the horrible antenatal experience - the midwife support/phlebotomist, and two of the doctors I saw. 

The phlebotomist is worth their weight in gold for just managing my issues getting blood drawn alone, but also for the kind words after I was upset by some of the c-section restrictions I learnt about during my pre-op appointment. She was always upbeat and friendly, while being a reassuring force. 

The doctor was not phased by my reluctance to book an induction during my 36 week appointment and offered to book a c-section, and again was not phased by my hesitation as it was major surgery and I really wanted my baby to arrive spontaneously and I saw whatever I booked as a last resort. The doctor sent my Partner & I away with all the relevant information and told us to book an appointment for 38 weeks and to make the appointment then for either induction or c-section. My Partner & I really valued not being forced into something at the 36 week appointment and being given time to really understand each option, whilst having our questions comprehensively answered by Dr Aine. 

Sadly our 38 week appointment was with a different doctor and despite covering our discussion with the previous one, the doctor on this day was pushing to book me in for an induction and even suggested going against Trust guidelines about how far overdue I should go, to try and ensure the spontaneous labour I hoped for. 

Thankfully our 39 week appointment was a discussion like the first one and they were happy we had understood our options and made an informed decision, before booking a c-section, which I was still hoping I wouldn’t have to use. 

Unfortunately, my baby did not arrive spontaneously and I ended up using the c-section appointment. From attending at EOU that morning to be checked in, to leaving the next afternoon, my experience of care couldn’t haven’t been more different to my antenatal care. 

Our assigned midwife for delivery, Roisin, was cheerful and upbeat, thorough in her explanations and keen to do all she could to make our experience the best it could be. The anaesthetics team were absolutely wonderful from pre-op discussions through to getting me back to recovery, putting me at ease through the administration of the spinal to the end of the surgery. The doctor I had seen first was our assigned surgeon on the day, so it was nice to know we were in the hands of a doctor who practises patient led care. 

Although I really didn’t want to have a c-section, I know it was best for me and my baby, and the whole team made it a rather wonderful experience. 

When I was taken to the ward, I was greeted by Midwife Emily and a student midwife who took care of me during the initial day shift I was on the ward. They were very attentive and supportive particularly as I was a first time mum attempting breastfeeding. Throughout the night, the team were fantastic at helping me get mobile and to support the breastfeeding.