"No support and horrific conditions"

I had my first baby at LRI, the birthing unit was fine, but the postnatal ward was horrendous.

I have social anxiety problems and major issues with being in unfamiliar environments particularly when I don't have any privacy or freedom.

They pressured me to go onto the ward for breastfeeding support, where I was routinely ignored because my baby was quiet. When I asked for help a nurse came in shoved my baby at my breast and walked away. I was given no advice, guidance or support and I was made to feel like an inconvenience for asking for help to breastfeed my baby.

I was there for 2 days, for this so called support and it took them nearly a whole day to discharge me after I had enough and told them I was going home. They discharged plenty of others first, despite my very obvious and vocal distress. I didn't get any sleep for those 2 days because I couldn't have my husband around to support me during the night and the temperature was inhumanely hot. It was late Decemeber I ended up topless and soaking with sweat for 2 days straight and I wasn't told where any of the facilities were. I was so hot I ended up feeling sick the whole time. I couldn't even walk out as I was locked in the whole time and I was told I couldn't even leave with my own baby. I had to beg to leave.

I am still dealing with the emotional aftermath a year later. It completely ruined the enjoyment of celebrating my sons 1st birthday and I am now absolutely terrified of being pregnant again and feel physically sick at the prospect of being forced into a hospital again.