"Pregnancy & Birth"

My antenatal care and care while in labour was excellent. All the staff I met we're caring and responsive to my and my baby's needs, in particular the extra screening she required due to being at higher risk for birth defects. The Pregnancy Club run at children's centres by the midwives was a superb opportunity to learn about key topics, meet other mums and learn more about birthing at Watford. This gave me the confidence to try hypnobirthing and select the ABC unit. My experience on the ABC ward was amazing. It was clear that all the midwives had read my birth plan. I was also lucky to have a midwife who specialised in hypnobirthing and who was able to support my choices fully and add some key phrases to help keep me calm and focused. As a result I had a great, quick and straightforward delivery in the birthing pool with only a bit of gas and air. Truly amazing and nothing like my first labour! Afterwards we we well looked after and was offered lots of breastfeeding support as requested and the Paediatricians ensured my daughter was thoroughly checked prior to leaving hospital meaning I could leave hospital confident. My discharge was slightly delayed due to the unit being busy but as I was in my own room, relaxing with my baby I did not mind this at all!