"A very positive first time birth experience"

I gave birth just over a month ago at Paisley Maternity Hospital (RAH) and I was overwhelmed with how positive my care was during labour and I would like to explain my story and express my gratefulness.

I was induced by a balloon induction which was successful and I returned back to the maternity unit a few hours later.

Just as I started the full induction process, Midwife Arlene and Student Midwife Sasha had both just taking over my care in time for me to be fully induced. They both cared for me to the highest standard throughout my labour.

As soon as I met them both I immediately was given lots of positive encouragement and reassurance as I was in a tremendous amount of pain and the encouragement was great as I was pushing. I felt like I was listened consistently and I was grateful to Arlene for organising my analgesia quickly because I was in a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

I ensured to remember the midwives names, although I was absolutely exhausted because I wanted them both to know how appreciative myself and my husband are, how forever grateful we are both are of their ability to turn one of the most challenging days of my life both physically and emotionally into a more positive experience by how brilliant they both were in caring for me to the highest standard and also being accommodating to my husband by explaining to us both continuously about everything that was happening to me during my labour as I was a first time mum and it was all new to me and being helpful.

I vomited a few times early stages & just before our baby was born. I felt really hot and Arlene was very calming to me and caring to me as I felt awful which was of great comfort to me.

Sasha and Arlene were both so professional throughout my labour and I found they worked really well together in caring for us from the beginning of my labour to the end of their shift when our baby was born. They had a lovely rapport together which was lovely for us.

They both were great at distracting me positively. I thought they were great to chat to and they were also were great at telling me when to rest by making sure I was always comfortable. I thought it was lovely that they took the time to say bye and congratulate us both whilst I was in recovery as their shift was finished.

I truly feel that I had the best care possible by Arlene and Student Midwife Sasha who will be a fantastic asset to any maternity unit once qualified as she is already amazing. I feel the my positive experience during labour has given me comfort and helped me in my recovery process postpartum.

I would also like thanks to the anaesthetist and theatre team who helped deliver our daughter safely into the world by forceps.