"Having a baby"

After being overdue by 12 days, I was induced. On the day I was due to be induced, I phoned the unit as requested to find out what time I should attend, the midwife was apologetic as she was so busy and informed me that she would phone me later, when she rang back she gave me a time to attend and took the time to answer my questions. When I attended I was shown straight to my bed and given an information sheet, again I was given time to answer questions and was able to get up and about and make myself as comfortable as possible!

My labour progresed that night and by morning I was transferred to the labour suite, I was able to call my husband so he could be with me. Once I got to the labour suite the midwives were so lovely, they were encouraging and reassuring. It struck me that they seemed to really enjoy their jobs, which was lovely to see.

Unfortunately my labour slowed down and I needed drugs to speed the process up, once more I was reassured by the midwives and I felt fully informed. When my daughter (finally) arrived, the midwives seemed so excited which was amazing! My midwife even helped us to choose her name: )

I needed quite a lot of stitches which is the only point where I have negative memories, the doctor came to do the stitching and a discussion ensued between him and the midwife (the midwife felt I needed to go to theatre, but the doctor didn't agree), I truly felt fearful at this point because of hearing their discussion. I also found the doctor to be impatient with me (trying to get me to move around etc. but I was in a lot of pain) and kept telling me i'd been given me all the pain relief they could give, so effectively I had to put up with it.

When I was moved to the ward, I was able to discuss my concerns with a midwife who allowed me to speak with another doctor who could answer some questions and try to put my mind at rest, which I really appreciated.

I had a few issues with breast feeding to begin with, once more the midwives were patient and understanding and were able to help- I do however feel I was allowed home slightly too early as the issues weren't entirely rectified and my baby was re admitted at day 5 due to weight loss (she's fine now), I think this was as breastfeeding was so new to me (and her) that I wasn't able to recognise the problems but they may have been picked up on sooner if we had stayed in hospital for longer. I accept that it was partly due to my excitement to go home though, so I can't complain about that!

Overall, it was a very positive experience - and I am very grateful for the care me and my new baby received!