"Best labour experience ever"

I don't usually write reviews but after my birthing experience at UHND maternity unit I feel it is the best way I can thank my midwives. Having moved to the area a year ago and not knowing anybody who could tell me if the ward had a good or bad reputation I was slightly nervous. I went in at 10pm on weds night to be told I was only 3cm however the pain felt a lot more intense which being on my 3rd I knew how my body coped. The midwife was brilliant and said they wouldn't send me home but would let me stay in the room and be re examined in 2 hours. 2 hours later I was 7/8cm and baby number 3 arrived at 4am. I had my other 2 at Scarborough hospital so can only compare to their maternity unit and I have to say there is no comparison. At Scarborough I was put on a ward with other labouring ladies until I was in later stages of labour. Needless to say it wasn't the most relaxing however at Durham I was surprised to be taken into a large private room where I was the whole time until I was discharged. My midwife and the student midwife were great. They obviously have a good working relationship. They knew exactly when I needed encouraging and when to step back and let me get on with it. Having had bad experiences with gas and air the midwife recommended diamorphine which I'd never heard of before and I have to say she is my hero! It's the first labour I can fully remember and don't feel like I missed it. Her understanding and not making me try gas and air 'just to be sure', as I had been with baby number 2, really made me feel listened to and valued. When we got home I also discovered they had left a handwritten note on my discharge notes to say congratulations which was such a nice personal touch and really meant a lot. I have to say this was going to be our last but after such a great experience I am tempted to maybe have 1 more. Thank you so much. Vicky, John and baby Blake :)