"The care of my new born baby in ..."

What I liked

The care of my new born baby in the neonatal unit was really excellent and reassuring while I was recovering from an emergency c section and feeling very faint because I was anaemic. The care and advice I received from the staff - midwifes and doctors - in both the neonatal unit and the ward about the baby and myself was really good and helpful. The food was always hot and plenty of it. Most of the staff were happy to help out at any time day or night. The anaesthetist that was present during my c section was really amazing. So reassuring and seemed really in control. Also, the doctors that advised me on my care before and after the op were really kind and happy to talk through everything with me. Being borderline for a blood transfusion, they were also really good in helping me decide to continue with the iron tablets instead.

What could be improved

I really think the care that the midwives gave me before I went into 'established labour' could have been greatly improved. I was in agony for 5 days before I got to 3 cm dilation with regular contractions and also a very bad urinary infection and very severe constipation. I was offered no pain relief other than the suggestion of paracetomol. The infection and constipation (although picked up by the doctor) were left untreated for another 3 days at which point I had to convince nhs direct that I wasn't satisfied with the care that the pre-labour/labour team were giving me and that I needed advice on where else I could get help. I ended up in a walk in clinic in nottingham and was given proper treatment there. Also, the midwives were extremely unsympathetic in the pre labour stage. I was in and out several times pleading for help and I was met with stony faces and the same rehearsed speech about pain relief and the 3 cm. One midwife even made me cry on the last visit and I never cry. As soon as I went into what they call real labour, their attitudes changed completely and they were really good from then on. The distance from the ward where I stayed to the neonatal unit was incredibly long for me after having the c section and being anaemic. The parking is terrible. Really far away from the ward's entrance but at least the security guys are good at letting you stay out the front for a short while if you let them know.

Anything else?

Overall, I'd highly recommend it for a straight forward pregnancy but I think the midwife policies need to be revised and the doctors need to help out more if the pregnant woman is struggling.