"Thank you!"

For all the staff in the Blue Team, Ward 5S and on the labour ward, We would like to thank you so much for taking such great care of us (me, my partner Tom and our new baby Christopher) not only throughout my pregnancy but also from when I was admitted to the ward for induction on 20th May 2015. Previous to that, the staff in the ‘day assessment unit’ were also brilliant, and helped to keep us calm and informed, during our numerous visits to have blood pressure checks and monitoring. The staff on ‘5S’ were fantastic, and did everything they could to help us through a long (3 day) period of early labour as well as taking brilliant care of us after a difficult birth. Upon moving to the labour ward on 23rd May, under the excellent care of the midwives and the consultant, my waters were broken and I was attached to the monitor as there was meconium present. Soon after I started to pass out and was unable to communicate with the staff, I felt very helpless at that moment and heard the baby’s heart rate drop and felt completely powerless. Staff reacted incredibly quickly and moved us straight to theatre, hoping to do a c-section with epidural, they took my husband to change and I felt that they were in complete control even though I was not. Unfortunately I continued to deteriorate and the decision was quickly made to put me under general anaesthetic, all the staff though working incredibly fast, made me feel calm and I knew they had everything under control. The anaesthetist even took the time to introduce themselves to me and my husband was allowed to give me a kiss before they put me under. I fell asleep knowing that I and the baby would be ok but worried that I would have difficulty feeding and bonding with baby when I awoke. These worries turned out to be completely unfounded due to the fantastic aftercare we received, firstly in intensive care with an incredible midwife who helped me to feed as soon as I was able. All of the midwives and orderlies were on hand to help us with everything from getting us tea in the middle of the night to helping calm the baby and I am sure that I would not have been able to be discharged only 2 days after giving birth without all the support we received. We were also given particularly helpful practical advice on feeding from one person, which has meant that feeding has been a lovely and enjoyable bonding experience free from any pain or anxiety. Christopher never lost any of his 9lb 4 and at 13 days already weighs 10lb 10! We hope that review demonstrates our great appreciation for the outstanding care we received throughout from the Royal free team. Thank you so much! Charlotte, Tom and Christopher.