"Thank you NHS Lothian - Wonderful birth"

Before I share my story a very special and sincere thank you to NHS Lothian and these wonderful people who played such a key part in bringing my daughter into this world safely. My Primary West Lothian Community Midwife – Alison, Secondary West Lothian Community Midwife – Elaine, Admitting Midwife – Laura, West Lothian - Karen, West Lothian - Ros, Senior Midwife - Marianne and Anaesthetist – Heather.

I live in an area where our community midwives where possible will try to be at your birth. My water went and after speaking to a midwife at St Johns they invited me up to check my BP and on baby. All was well and we were given an induction time for 24hrs later should things not progress as expected and sent home.

By the early morning I was ready to head into the hospital. Laura greeted me and kindly helped me into my room. I was in a lot of pain by this point and we had to stop a couple of times in the corridor to breath through the contractions. Laura was calm and reassuring! I had given my birth plan a lot of thought and knew I wanted an epidural. A lot of my fear around giving birth was that I would be out of control and not be offered the pain relief. None of this happened.

I got my epidural in from Heather shortly after her daytime shift started (you were amazing and so good with me as we paused while I was having contractions).

From there on things were brilliant, I had the correct equipment (peanut ball) for keeping my pelvis open with epidural and I felt super supported as I asked to be helped into different positions roughly every 30mins to keep some movement.

Karen arrived and took over from Laura. I fell for Karen almost immediately, she was warm and flexible. I felt like she was a part of my family. A huge support to my birthing partners too (mum & husband). When my progress slowed down and we needed to consider options. Karen made me feel in control at all times. She discussed some options with me and asked for my input before inviting the doctor into the room. I will forever be grateful for how Karen handled that situation. Thankfully our plan we pitched to the Dr worked and I ended up being 9cm right as Karen's shift was ending. I cried as she left the room. How could I do this without Karen??

Ros came in and took over, which I have to say must have been very hard as she could see how attached I had become to Karen. She was just as wonderful and before long I felt completely comfortable in her care. When I was ready to deliver my little girl, Ros called for some help and Marianne entered the room. They both helped me deliver. I will be forever grateful to both of you. You were calm, clear and direct - exactly what was needed to get the baby out.The care my daughter and I received with first class. I will forever be grateful for NHS Lothian and St Johns hospital. The care I received on the labour ward and on ward 11* (might have the incorrect number!) for 2 nights was invaluable.

A special shout out to my community midwives. Pregnancy can be challenging and a very anxious time for many. You women keep us going! Your knowledge and wisdom is invaluable. 

The only thing I'm sorry about is how long this has taken me to actually post. I wish I could hug each and everyone of you. I hope you all get to see this feedback as you are all starts!!!!!

The cross over of care in the community and hospital is phenomenal. Roll this out everywhere!

Also, the care you receive at home for the following 10 days are wonderful. The help and support I relieved was amazing. I'd have been lost without this. I was lucky enough to see Ros again at day 5 & 6.

I'm now lucky to have a wonderful health visitor Aileen. 

A massive thank you to ALL.