"Excellent care"

Had my first baby in St Thomas' in August 2014. As it was my first baby I was really desperate, afraid but the care and attention I've got during my stay in hospital made me consider having another baby-only at St Thomas'! The labour was not a simple or an easy one: my water broke but no contractions came so I was sent to the hospital on a Tuesday morning. Had to wait long until they could examine me, but as my case was not an emergency I understood this waiting time. They said I have to stay in but have to wait to have an empty bed. was waiting from mid-day until 6 pm - long waiting time, but thanks to the restaurant in the hospital and the nice little park in front the time was spent all right. Tuesday night was induced and had my baby only Wednesday afternoon by forceps delivery. During my stay met lot of midwives , nurses, doctors...whom I did not even remembered , but their friendly approach made me feel good,respected and safe, even if I met them after I gave birth. All my questions were answered, included me in all the action, decision....everything was explained, discussed and agreed before they did it. This made me really feel comfortable. My husband is a doctor and the fact that he could stay with me all through the labour was fantastic. And my Mom was with me as well! having extra support from family means a lot- beside the professional care. Was afraid of epidural, but after having unbearable pain for long hours I asked for it- they have explained it but nothing was forced on me...everything that happened was my decision.All went well with it, the anaesthetic did a great job. Most of the nurses, midwives, doctor's name can't remember- the gas and the painkillers knocked me out and made me dizzy....(sorry) but special thanks to the member of staff who staid with me on my day of labour- she even sacrificed her own free time, staid little overtime with me after labour to give support, bring me food and just discuss how things went and what can I expect now. She is a really special midwife-she takes her job very seriously. I think she is really devoted to what she is doing. God bless her and all the team who has taken care of my baby and me! Doctors did a brilliant job by the delivery and episiotomy. Tried to help me to give birth naturally- avoiding CS-which I'm really thankful for! The post natal ward was different-4 women + babies in one room....unfortunately some of the women were sick, babies crying-so this was really exhausting, couldn't rest. Could not be seen next day by the paediatrician so had to stay an extra day for my baby to be checked before they could discharge us-but have to understand they are extremely busy and still providing an excellent service! Of course, at the end of the day midwives are still human, they might not be smiling 24/7 , they might be late bringing you things that you have asked for, but always treat you with respect! Could go on and on and reached maximum characters all in 2 words: Thank you St. Thomas'