"Birth of baby"

I was induced at 37+1 weeks as baby was measuring small and low fluid levels. Care received during the day was good and I was checked regularly. When night staff came on they appeared under staffed and very busy. My Husband had to leave ward at 9pm as per protocol but my contractions at that point were getting stronger. Despite voicing concern that contractions were getting stronger and more frequent I wasn't checked by a midwife from 5. 30pm - 3am. When a midwife did come to see me I was put on the CTG and was left until 4. 30am at which point I buzzed as I did not feel I was coping.

When the midwife came to me I told her I did not feel I was coping and I asked if I was progressing but she refused to check me until 24hrs after induction and walked away. Contractions continued to strengthen until my waters broke at 7. 45am and I immediately knew I had to push. I buzzed again at which point a different midwife came to me (day shift had started again). When she checked me she advised that I was 8-9cm dilated and that I needed to be in the labour ward. My baby was born at 8. 01am. The midwife who delivered my baby commented that I had been through established labour alone and with no pain relief other than paracetamol.

My concern is that the midwife on night shift was very dismissive of me when I told her I wasn't coping. It was a very unpleasant and upsetting experience - I had never felt so alone and unsupported which in turn upset my husband as if I'd been checked and moved to the labour ward sooner he could have been with me for support.

I would hate for another expectant mother to have the same experience.