"Top maternity hospital"

I moved to Northumberland a month before the birth of my youngest son (who was born 10th October 2013), and so had to scramble to sort out maternity care for myself in a very short time period. The staff of Wansbeck Maternity Hospital were marvelous from start to finish. I was a mid-risk pregnancy who wanted a VBAC, and the specialists bent over backwards trying to make sure I got the positive birth experience I so desperately wanted. We arrived at the hospital in the very early hours of the morning without thinking to call ahead, but the staff took it all in their stride and we were quickly swept up in their expert care. Unfortunately, I had some complications - although my labour was progressing well, my son was found to have moved out of the head-down position (where he had been fully engaged) and was now lying transverse. Try as they might, they could not turn him, and there was no way he could possibly come out naturally. I was kept fully informed at all times and felt completely relaxed and in control, as well as feeling my unborn son and I were in safe hands. Everyone was wonderful, ensuring my comfort and explaining everything as they went along, and my son was shortly born by emergency c-section - it turned out the cord was wrapped four times round his neck, which had pulled him out of alignment. Had I even tried to give birth naturally, he (and possibly I, too) would quite possibly have died! The care the maternity ward gave my son and me both during and after the birth was nothing short of wonderful. I felt fully looked-after, and my every need was taken care of swiftly and with a smile. Each shift change, the midwife and nurses on duty came and introduced themselves, reassuring me that I could call on them for anything. I cannot thank the staff, from the specialist, to the surgical team, to the midwives, nurses and breastfeeding support team, enough for all they did for me and my son during our short stay.