"Maternity - the birth I wanted"

Four weeks ago I had a v-bac at Kings Midwife Led Unit as a result of fantastic coordination and patient centred care across the community and various other ante natal care centres around the hospital.

When I spoke about wanting a v-bac I was referred to the consultant midwife who spent over an hour talking about my experiences of birth and what my preferences and tolerances to risk were. She wrote all of this into a birth plan shared on the system across birth centres. The level of attention paid to my husband and I prompted my husband to ask why we were getting 'special treatment'. As he's not from the UK, I felt proud telling him in this NHS everyone who needs it will get this level of care at Kings.

This level of care and attention paid itself off in hospital savings on later interventions multiple fold as the detail on remote monitoring and managing my hyper tension throughout the birth gave the midwifes the confidence to deliver my wishes in the midwife led unit. Interacting with the consultant team as required.

The ability to contact the consultants at the high blood pressure clinic on the phone and chat to them directly without appointment was also so helpful at the end of my pregnancy when I was in early labour for a very frustrating week. Diane's kind words reassured and comforted me giving me and my husband the perspective that meant I proceeded with my planned birth.

The only area that could be improved is in making sure all the midwives introduce themselves when you're admitted in early labour. Remembering 'hello my name is' at a confusing and upsetting time (when you're sent home) is so important. I didn't know if the lady who demanded my urine sample, when I was still strapped to the monitor, was a cleaner or a consultant. This same midwife also looked after me in my first 12 hours of labour and for that I thank her.

I would ask staff to please remember to help their patients up off the floor after taking measurements, it would have made me feel less like an up turned turtle! And leaving packets of half used lube on the floor nearby also felt like an unnecessary risk.

Accessories worn with a uniform are not always appropriate for this setting.

The second team of midwives were phenomenal professionals. Midwife Clemmie calm, coaching approach gave me everything I needed to proceed to the birth I wanted in the midwife led setting. Involving my husband and giving us amazing memories of welcoming our little girl into the world.

Thank you so much Kings - you gave my husband and I such a special gift - the birth we wanted.