I went into the JR to be induced with my second baby, who was 12 days late. Having had a very traumatic and painful birth with my daughter, now 2, I wanted an epidural for this labour. I made this clear from the moment we were admitted. They broke my waters at 5pm and started the drugs at 10pm. Contractions started fairly quickly and by 11am I was in labour. I repeatedly asked for my epidural but my midwife - a young student - delayed and delayed, often just disappearing to avoid us. My husband kept asking where the anaesthetist was and they kept telling him that they were coming. By the time the anaesthetist did arrive it was too late. It was time to push. I was so angry that I was in this situation with no pain relief. I was so much pain I couldn't talk - I felt so trapped. My only option was to grit my teeth and get it over with. Our son was born at 2am. He was fine and healthy, however I spent the next 4 hours being stitched up - sheer agony - and treated for blood loss. I was not in a good way and was unable to hold my little boy. It was awful. I think the shock set in about what had just happened. I was so furious that the midwife had ignored my wishes and had forced my husband and I to endure a birth we had not planned for. It was as if they had their own agenda - they wanted me to give birth naturally, regardless of my wishes. Just thinking about the birth still makes me emotional and angry.
"Wishes totally ignored - nightmare experience"
About: John Radcliffe Hospital John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford OX3 9DU
Posted via nhs.uk
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