"I think it all comes down to people not reading my notes"

Unfortunately I am now being treated for trauma following my delivery at Kettering.

I was sent for an induction because my baby stopped growing. I'd been marked for early epidural and pain relief due to a heart condition. It seems that nobody read my file though as I was regularly denied pain relief and my heart condition remained unmonitored despite my expressed concerns. I was told an early epidural would cause complications by a midwife on the ward. I told her I was afraid my heart condition would hurt my child.

I also endured multiple painful internal examinations without pain relief. I am a survivor of sexual assault and my midwife had noted on my file that internal examinations should be kept to a minimum. Seems like no one read that either, which considering that they didn't know about my heart condition isn't surprising.

After three days I was finally allowed to go to labour ward. My experience on labour ward was actually quite good and I was impressed with the team and those who delivered my baby by emergency section.

When I was brought back to Rowan ward, my partner was asked to leave after visiting hours and I was left alone with my baby. Unfortunate considering that I'd been labouring since Saturday (it was now Tuesday night) and had just had major abdominal surgery. I hardly slept and my baby had trouble feeding. There was no help to be had and I later found out that babies delivered after long labour who are early often have trouble feeding. No one seemed aware of how long I'd been in labour so I suppose this information was left out.

My breasts stopped producing colostrum outright from the stress. However I was encouraged to continue trying to breastfeed and eventually my baby became lethargic from lack of calories. Finally a midwife recommended formula and a feeding plan (on Thursday, so two days after I'd given birth), and I heard her get scolded by another midwife for recommending a bottle. I personally am so grateful to her as I'm convinced she saved my baby from hospitalisation.

I think it all comes down to people not reading my notes or communicating. Unfortunate as I'd rate my care prior to the birth as very good, the fetal health unit is amazing.

I have an appointment with the hospital to discuss these circumstances and I hope they actually listen. It is very hard being a new mum who now has to be treated for post natal anxiety and trauma; I'd rather be able to focus fully on my baby than contend with flashbacks.