"My postnatal experience"

I am writing about my postnatal experience at Wishaw Maternity department. After a negative experience in triage, I arrived in the Alongside Midwifery Unit just prior to having my son. I did not have time for a pool birth as planned as I had my son extremely quickly. The staff at AMU were efficient, professional and helped me feel calm in a what was a extremely quick delivery. Both staff that delivered my son were reassuring and supportive and helped me have the most positive delivery possible. During the few hours following the birth we remained in AMU. My allocated midwife, Leah, was helpful, caring and supportive.

Upon being moved to Postnatal ward 22 all staff we encountered were excellent. They listened to any concerns we had, answered any questions and offered suggestions and opinions in a professional and caring manner. My son required additional tests and observations. All of this was explained to me both before and afterwards.

We had to return to the hospital due to my sons jaundice 3 days after his birth. We attended the Neonates ward. The doctor who saw us had assessed my son on the ward after his birth and remembered him. Again, she explained what would happen and then remained later after her finishing time to give us test results. This was not required but greatly appreciated.

My experience in triage was not as positive and I have raised this with my community midwife who has completed appropriate paperwork to follow this up. However, my postnatal care within AMU and the ward was excellent. Thank you to all involved