"Mixed experience of maternity care"

I arrived at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Triage Unit at 5:00 pm after labouring at home since 4:00 am that day.  I had been managing my contractions myself until then as I felt I needed something stronger for pain relief.

Upon arriving in triage, I was checked once (my heart-rate, baby doppler and feeling for contractions). I was hoping to receive gas & air but was offered a heat pack or Dihydracodeine which I accepted although I really just wanted Entinox. At this point I was having 2 contractions in 10 minutes. My pain was getting stronger but contractions staying at the same regular intervals. I was then offered a bath. I did not get a VE until 8:00 pm and no further checks on my heart-rate or my baby's was monitored. Contractions were not timed or checked either. I got one further VE at 9:20pm where I was now 4 cm and the midwife unit was called for me to be transferred.

My husband had to ask several times before I was eventually give Entinox at 10:15pm (my baby was born at 10:47pm). At this point I believe my contractions were coming so fast that I wasn’t getting a full minute between them. I was taken through to the Midwife Unit at 10:25 as there had been a labour in before me. I felt like the care I received in triage wasn’t the best and the bed that I was left to sit on in the later stages of my labour was hard and uncomfortable. The midwife that seen to me in triage was absolutely lovely and I am by no means complaining about her, but I do believe she was stretched beyond her means and it was impossible for her to take care of everyone and everything going on in the ward. Again I wish to say how lovely she was and professional when she willing checked my VE both times.

Once I was moved to the Midwife unit, I was under the care of midwife Kay. Shw was phenomenal and her care for me as a labouring mum was outstanding. We were taken in to the birthing suite where the birthing pool was ready for me. Kay ran through some things with my husband and I was instantly handed the Entinox when I asked for it. Kay ensured we were both ok and explained everything. I got in the pool around 10:30, my waters broke at 10:40 and my baby girl was born at 10:47. My labour was very intense and quick but I felt very supported and safe in the environment and would love to thank all staff involved.

After our birth Kay ensured we got delayed cord clamping and plenty of skin to skin. The care was above and beyond what we expected. My husband was made to feel welcome and a part of the birth which was also amazing. My aftercare at the unit was also wonderful, I felt fully informed of everything going on and again felt safe.

I would really like to thank Kay & staff again. I feel like Kay is an exceptional midwife and makes an effort to bond with the women that are in, and takes great pride in her work. I felt supported throughout my experience at the midwife unit.