"First baby"

I had my first baby in St. Peter's in March. After a very long labour at home I was told I couldn't go into the birthing centre which was disappointing but no ones fault. My both experience and support I was offered exceeded my expectations. I was supported by two midwives due to a shift change who both looked after me very well and took a lot of time to explain things. In addition I was lucky enough to have a student midwife (their first birth) who was like an angel. Not quite the straightforward birth I had planned but an experience that I am thankful for.

Sadly the care on the Joan Booker ward was not quite as good. I asked for support with nappy changing as my husband had accidentally taken cotton wool home but it took a couple of hours to give this which is far from ideal and hard when you are feeling very overwhelmed and not sure what is going on. Generally whilst the midwives tried they were understaffed and so couldn't dedicate any time to me and failed to explain basic things.

Nonetheless I wouldn't hesitate to have another baby at the hospital or recommend to friends