"C29 post natal ward"

Upon arrival I felt abandoned. I had endured a traumatic emergency csection under general anaesthetic and my baby was in the Neonatal Unit. I didn't know anything about what a csection recovery entailed and this lead to horrific pain as I tried to get out of bed. I was given no water and was unable to walk and get anything to drink or eat as I had also had a spinal block (and considering it had been more than 24 hours since I had eaten I was hungry! ). One midwife was very abrupt and told me the Neonatal unit needed to feed my baby and as I didn't have any milk expressed they would give formula: having just have major unexpected surgery and unable to walk of course I hadn't been able to express - never mind the fact that I didn't know how to do it or what it was!

The next day I broke down in tears and fortunately a new midwife had been appointed to look after me and she really helped and supported me. From then on the staff were exceptional: the support from everyone I encountered was brilliant and I really felt they cared. Everyone, the cleaners, transitional care workers, support workers, midwives and Drs were amazing. I really felt they had mine, and eventually my babies best interests, at heart. They went above and beyond to support us and get us off to the best start.

It's a shame the start of my time on the ward was so bad, but everything after that made up for it.

The only comment I would say is that it's a shame they don't have plates/bowls/knives and spoons in the kitchen so ladies can get themselves some toast or cereal: I often missed meals being in the Neonatal unit, or didn't like the food that I had chosen, and it would have been good to be able to get a snack to tide me over, especially as I was breastfeeding and needed the calories!

Thank you very much to all the team who looked after me and my baby from day, you were amazing and all deserve a medal!