"Fantastic place to give birth"

I chose PAH to have my baby and I am so glad I did.

At 37 weeks I was advised to have an elective c section at 39 weeks as my baby was measuring big- and she was! 9lb 14oz at birth! The Consultant was very kind to me and very honest about the risks of having a vaginal birth if the baby is very large. I was reassured by a senior midwife.

I had 2 weeks to get my head round the idea as I wanted a natural birth but I knew it was the right decision. On the day everything was very calm and I had a wonderful pain free birth. In fact the surgeon's skill and cleanliness of the whole place meant that I have enjoyed a fantastic, pain free recovery.

The surgical team especially the anaesthetist were reassuring, professional, funny and so kind. I will remember it forever. I did not need to be afraid.

The mideives were fantastic and taught me to hand express colostrum as my baby found it difficult to latch. We received support and after 2 nights at PAH we decided to pay for a private room at Ashurst for breastfeeding help although their ward is lovely.

We found all staff to be so generous with their time. Baby is thriving and we are breastfeeding.

The meals were lovely, fresh and a wide choice. I was so settled there that I was up, showered and dressed by 9am the next morning. I even told my husband to come in at 11am or later and to rest at home as we were well looked after and we would need his support at home.

Tips:

Take several bath towels with you.

Ask for help if you need it day or night: the healthcare assistants and midwives are lovely.

Thanks to everyone at PAH. We had a great time in your care. We were out walking 1 week later. Our baby girl is now 5 weeks old!