"Having planned for a natural, ..."

What I liked

Having planned for a natural, water-assisted birth which then fell apart when my waters broke two weeks early but labour failed to start, I was pleasantly amazed by the midwife care I received. From the woman who advised me on how to encourage labour and avoid an induction, to the wonderful midwife who helped me labour naturally for as long as I could stand before the consultant decided that my progression was so slow that intervention was necessary, I could not fault them. Even once gas & air, syntocinon and a Caesarean became necessary, I never felt that matters were out of my hands and the support I received throughout was superb.

What could be improved

The very first examination I had after my waters broke was done by a woman who went straight from telling me that everything was fine to getting a diary to book me in for an induction the next day, without asking me if that was what I wanted, and seeming extremely confused when I asked if there was any way I could wait and see what happened. My experiences after this tell me that she was the exception rather than the rule, but I'd like to see ALL midwives asking women what their preferences are before making assumptions.