"Labour and Birth"

Transferred into hospital from home birth. Home birth team were amazing and upon arrival on The Nest felt instantly cared for and welcomed by Sarah the midwife and the MSW who was with her. Transferred to labour ward due to little progression and given pain relief to allow me to rest as requested and supported through the decision by Sarah who advocated for me every step of the way. Waters broken upon waking following day to encourage progression of labour, meconium in waters meant being put on the monitor, Sarah explained every step she took at all times and made me feel incredibly safe in an unexpected situation. 

Baby started to become distressed having decels and so needed to get him out quickly, doctor entered room and threw a lot of options at me in one go and didn't explain much. Sarah supported me. Forceps were necessary and the doctor did explain that they would use these. Doctor carried out an episiotomy without warning causing me pain and distress at the unknown feeling. I appreciate it was necessary but felt uninformed and out of control at a scary moment, worrying if my baby was okay without being asked for consent at any time. Cord was cut hastily against both mine and Sarah's request to the doctor without any explanation. 

Doctor later returned to tell myself and my partner that they had cut me because I wasn't trying hard enough after labouring for 36 hours and having had a total of 3/4 hours sleep between the Friday to Sunday when baby was born I felt I had pushed as hard as possible and this was incredibly hard to hear feeling as though my baby's distress was my fault at a time when I was obviously incredibly vulnerable.