"Planned C section and sterilisation"

I had a planned C section at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. We were offered the planned section due to having an emergency section and complications in my first pregnancy, and laparoscopic surgery and gestational diabetes during this pregnancy. From start to finish the whole process was very positive. I received telephone calls from midwife and anaesthetist the day before to explain what would happen. Once we arrived in triage I was assessed by midwives and prepped for surgery, we were told there was a slight delay due to emergencies that morning but actually the delay was very minimal. I was kept up to date at all times about what was happening. All the midwives and student midwife (Holly) were very professional and friendly and took time to answer any questions I had. They also took time to speak to my partner and keep him informed. The obstetrician (Stephen) came and explained the procedure to us again and answered any questions we had. He had a very professional but friendly manner and immediately put us at ease as I was starting to get nervous at this point. The anaesthetist also came to speak to us before being moved towards theatre. My paper work and consent form had not arrived, however this did not bother the staff, they simply had me sign another form and dealt with minor set back quickly and efficiently. Whilst in theatre the whole team were friendly and attentive and professional. I felt like I was in safe hands and I was kept well informed throughout the whole procedure, which is quite nerve wracking. The team were amazing at making us feel at ease as they took time to include my partner and took some lovely pictures for us. I had opted for a sterilisation and the obstetricians talked me through this and explained what was happening. It was an amazing experience seeing my son brought into the world and I will be forever grateful to all the theatre team who looked after all 3 of us so well. Once I was out of recovery I spent 1 night on Ashgrove ward, this was a positive experience. All the staff were professional, friendly and kind and patient. I felt like baby and I were very well looked after. I was in a bit of pain and discomfort and the staff were always happy to help, nothing was too much for them, they always came when I buzzed for something and helped me to breastfeed and change and dress the baby etc. I was offered food and drink regularly and pain relief. The ward was clean and the staff hard working. The obstetrician came to visit me again on the ward to explain something that had happened during surgery as he has realised I might not remember/ understand with everything else going on, I was really thankful for this. Because of the efficiency of the service we were able to be discharged fairly quickly the next day. Overall a very positive experience, thank you to all the hard working staff at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.