"Exceptional birth experience."

What I liked

We first had our doubts going to Milton Keynes Hospital for the birth of our first child considering the bad press the hospital had gotten lately. But from the moment we arrived until we left we were treated exceptionally well and with a high degree of professionalism. Yes, the facilities aren't the newest but the rooms were clean, private and had everything we needed. My wife was already 7 cm dilated when we arrived so and the first stages of labour progressed very quickly. We did have a change of midwives at the very beginning because due to my wife's medical history we didn't want any student midwives present. This request was followed promptly and without hassle.

When it came to the pushing however thing suddenly slowed down when the baby did not progress through the birth canal. Within minutes a doctor was present to assess the situation. After an hour of pushing a consultant was called in from home to help. The team worked quickly and efficiently. When the baby was born eventually (with the help of the vacuum suction cup), a pediatrician was standing by and immediately checked the girl's vitals etc. During the whole process we had to make a number of decisions regarding pain relief and interventions. At all times we were appraised of the situation and all decisions were made with the best interest of mother and child in mind.

We originally intended to have an all natural birth that was as private as possible but ended up delivering in a room full of midwives and doctors. It was reassuring that help was available when we needed it. We are extremely grateful to the staff at MK Hospital and would recommend the maternity ward to anyone.

What could be improved

The one thing that could be improved was that the birth plan could have been discussed earlier in the process. A few things such as no student midwives if read early on could have avoided some confusion.CleanlinessConsideratePrivacyProfessionalismAccommodationConsultantsDoctorsReassuringMaternity