"Elective caesarean experience"

The care we received from the BGH Maternity Unit during pregnancy, our elective caesarean and the initial days of parenthood was simply amazing.

Our baby had been conceived through IVF after a number of years of fertility treatments and all staff at BGH were caring and empathetic to our individual circumstances.

Throughout our pregnancy care, we felt supported and that our thoughts and opinions were valued by all; the community midwives, pregnancy assessment unit and our consultant, Dr Magowan.

During our elective caesarean, the kindness and care we received from the doctors, anaesthetists and, in particular, our midwife Emma was brilliant. Emma was so attentive to our needs and stayed with us throughout, despite the procedure overrunning, before accompanying us back to the ward and ensuring we were happy and settled with our new daughter.

We had to stay in a few days due to complications and I felt very happy, safe and secure with the care myself and my baby daughter received. My husband was also made to feel very welcome. We were looked after by midwives Emma, Rachel, Joan and Ailsa, all of whom went out of their way to support me as I recovered and to help my husband and I navigate the first few days of parenthood. The breastfeeding support I received from Ailsa made me feel happy and comfortable, and Rachel was super helping me out during the nights.

Thank you so much to everyone involved with our care (including the domestics who provided copious cups of tea and some lovely chats) - we honestly had such a superb experience.