"Giving birth"

I was induced in July 2021. My husband had to leave by 4pm, due to covid restrictions but we were told and reassured that as soon as I was in labour he would he allowed back in.

This was my second baby, so I felt relaxed and generally knew what to expect. Around 6pm, I felt my contractions  come alot sooner and so rang for the midwife to tell her they were getting stronger and less time. The midwife said I had ages yet so not to worry. I continued on my own, with no support, every time I called for a midwife they came and said I was fine 

I was not examined as they said it was too early. By 10pm I told them I was in a lot of pain and needed my husband. Again they said I was fine and too early to go to delivery ward. I then went and found someone (later found out this was a helper) who could see how much pain I was in and was puffing etc

This person offered to run me a  bath while they found a midwife. I had a bath alone, contracted through and knew baby was coming. By this time I was scared I'd give birth on my own in the bath, so I got out to find someone.

Several patients on the ward could see I was about to give birth (as they told me later) and I was just breathing through.

 When the midwife finally came, they again said it was too early and I couldn't have gas and air, only 2 paracetamols. I told her I needed my husband. They said I wasn't making enough noise to be in labour.

I said it was my second child so I knew it was happening soon. The midwife still did not let me call my husband and left, so I found my phone through contractions, called my husband and told him to meet me at labour ward now. the midwife came  back and I insisted I needed to go delivery ward

Again they said I was too early and I shouldn't have called my husband and he would have to wait in the carpark.

I replied that they would have to wheel me outside because I was not having my baby without him. Finally I was allowed to go to delivery, still hadn't checked me and said that they would bring me back in half an hour and made a comment that they were only doing this to keep me quiet. I was v upset but silently breathed through just wanted my husband. I was so close to birth that I couldn't sit down so had to be walked to delivery, stopped every 30 seconds.

When I saw my husband and the lovely midwives in delivery, I felt calm and happy. And I gave birth within 40 mins.

However, that one midwife caused me so much stress. I contracted on my own when I could ha e been with my husband

 I was in labour in pain in  a ward with 5 other women, very uncomfortable and ignored.

 I could only have 2 paracetamol as the midwife did not believe a fully able, 32 year old, second time mum.