"The excellent support provided from the..."

What I liked

The excellent support provided from the midwives, assistant midwife and HCA's during my stay on ward 22 and the midwife who helped me during labour. The breastfeeding support was amazing, I had to stay an extra day as I needed some extra support to help my baby latch on and feed at the appropriate times and while I initially didn't like the idea (as I wanted to be home straight away) and am glad that they suggested it as their help and support was unbelievable.

The midwives checked on my baby and I regularly which I found very reassuring and always asked if I needed any help or support.

I also find it very helpful how midwives are available for support in the early hours of the morning (when your community midwife is not available) when your having a difficult time feeding or calming baby or when there is something that you think might be abnormal (and turns out to be normal), the midwife is there to reassure you if your in the hospital or at home.

What could be improved

I personally would of liked better visiting hours for my birthing partner (my mum) as she could only visit 3-4 and 7-8 and I needed some support in the build-up to established labour (I was induced so I was in the hospital for all stages of labour and being induced meant that the contractions were coming thick and fast). Also being induced (first time round) at 10pm meant that my partner was unable to stay with me through this painful and emotional time and I felt very scared, alone and upset. I understand that the midwives have no/little say in the visiting hours or even partners being there to help the woman through this difficult stage, so I think it should be looked into by whoever makes this decision as I needed support from a loved one to help me get through this difficult and painful stage.

The hospital meals (usual story) were not very nice and I am surprised by the unhealthy choices that were available. I needed something healthy to give the appropriate nutrition to my baby through breastfeeding and all that was available were chips, mash, gravy etc, I think more vegetables, fruit etc should be made available as a healthy diet aids recovery and hospitals should be setting a good example on a healthy diet.

Anything else?

The midwives are excellent, I would especially like to thank the assistant midwife who specialises in breastfeeding, two midwives and the midwife on night duty on Saturday 16th October, I was very tearful as my baby was feeding constantly during the night and I was exhausted and she helped me get some much needed rest and settled my daughter to sleep.

I learnt a lot of valuable information from the midwives on breastfeeding my baby and I very much appreciate the time and dedication in helping mums with breastfeeding as I think without this help I would have given up due to the difficulties I faced in the early stages of breastfeeding.

The midwife that helped me during the delivery of my baby was excellent; very supportive and encouraging (I can't remember her name but my she supported me from 2pm until 7:15pm 15/10/10). I didn't have time to thank her as she was finishing her shift when I gave birth to my baby and I wasn't entirely in the right mind (being on gas and air) and I think midwives do not get the praise and recognition that they deserve during the most special moment in a mothers life. I will be sending thank you cards to all of the midwives that made my experience at hospital unforgettable and enjoyable and I would like to thank the HCA's on ward 22 as they were also very helpful during my stay at hospital.