"Day Unit staff were fantastic ..."

What I liked

Day Unit staff were fantastic - I felt they did all they could to get me a sweep and acupuncture appointments when I told them I was keen not to be induced (and I didn't need to be thanks to them). When I did give birth, the Birth Centre environment and staff were excellent - thoughtful, kind and highly professional at all times. Unfortunately, my baby was born with a chest infection so was admitted to neonatal where again the nurses were really outstanding in their care both of the baby and assistance to me (trying to establish breast feeding wasn't easy). I was kept in the post-natal ward for a week whilst my baby was having antibiotics in NICU and was wonderfully supported both physically and emotionally by all staff there including midwives, care assistants and nursery nurses.

What could be improved

Policies for induction seemed a little confused between doctors and midwives - my consultant was very understanding at my preference not to be induced despite pressing to do this earlier than standard (I'm 37 and it's an IVF pregnancy were reasons given) but the midwives seemed to be aware of differing policies in terms of maternal age (they thought 40), whether it was an IVF baby (some thought this didn't matter).

Anything else?

Excellent staff, sometimes seemed too busy/stretched, but hats off to all of them for making it work despite the pressure.