"Triage/Labour Ward/Larch..."

Would like to praise the staff across the entire department of Obstetrics at Newnham Hospital.

I gave birth to my second daughter in December and have been under consultant care and the hospital midwifes as I was trying for a VBAC.

I was respected and my views were listened to throughout the process.

I met with knowledgeable and passionate staff and I was pleased when I went into Labour as I felt confident that I would be able to attempt the VBAC.

Having read up on NICE guidelines though I was worried though that I wouldn't be allowed to move around in labour and be restricted in my choices and views ignored (I had read widely on Ina May and natural childbirth as well as reading evidence based studies on VBAC's) but on the day the staff worked with me to not let me be hindered by fetal monitoring whilst also ensuring the safety of my baby and I. After being admitted to the labour ward by the attentive triage staff we were given a nice room and able to turn on our music and use the battery operated candles I had bought to create a lovely atmosphere.

The midwifes who attended us over two shifts worked effortlessly to make sure I could move around and be free whilst still being monitored insuring the safety of my baby and previous cesarian scar.

They were also more then midwives as they were warm and open with me and gave me hugs and support as well as professional care which is what i needed in my situation to feel confident that I could deliver my baby naturally.

Having given birth in Newnham in 2014 (emergency cesarian) which was also largely positive my partner and I really noticed and were soothed by the presence this time of senior staff on the ward (Consultant/Labour Ward Supervisor) on duty who were overseeing the ward and who when it came to help me when my babies heart rate dropped as I was fully dilated helped me deliver in 9 minutes.

Their presence over the ward definitely lends an air of control and calm allowing everything to operate as it should especially maybe in slightly more complicated cases like a VBAC.

Having read up on VBAC's I was slightly fearful going into labour that it would all be too medically managed but I had the best experience and most importantly the staff were a solid, passionate team who led me to believe that I could deliver my baby as I wanted.

I also would add that even though I did get a VBAC if I had to have had a cesarian or instrumental delivery I would have felt that this was the right decision as the team and leadership were so solid that I felt very assured that they would all be doing their best to look after my baby and I and at the end of the day thats all that matters healthy baby and healthy mum.

After delivery we were soon left to bond in the room before moving down to Larch Ward where we were also really well looked after and the introduction of breastfeeding workshops there were valuable and supportive too.

I highly recommend this department and excellent team of staff.