"Horrendous experience on Victoria Ward"

I was 39 + 4 days when I was strongly advised by the dr to be induced as our baby was kicking less frequently (triage were great during this time). I went in to Victoria Ward to be medically induced that evening. I was 3cm at the time and after 20 mins started feeling the effects of the medicine. The lights were out and all other beds had sleeping patients which became very awkward as I began crying out in pain. I was given gas & air, and some pethidine, but it was apparent that the midwives were not taking me seriouslly and I was made to feel like I was overacting. To avoid waking (scaring) other patients, I began pacing the corridors to try and relieve the pain (which was not how I visualised going through labour). After a few hours of awful contractions, I felt bleeding and only at that point was the midwife prepared to check me and realised I was fully dilated. My waters very suddenly broke and I was rushed next door to ABC as I needed to start pushing. By this point I felt frightened and upset that no one had been listening or supporting me. I felt enormous relief to be out of Victoria Ward and a lot calmer in the care of the ABC midwives who didn’t treat me like pathetic first time mum. I shortly after gave birth to a healthy little girl!

The ladies in ABC were incredible and I would recommend to anyone. For me it was such a shame that my initial care in Victoria Ward was so poor and I had to do my labouring in a dark public corrindor instead of the privacy of a room. The midwives/nurses there were very frosty, unsupportive and uncaring. After talking about my experience with my NCT group, there were similar stories about women being ignored by midwives and having unexpectedly quick stressful births because the midwives hadnt checked or monitored them properly.

I would go back to ABC again but if I had to be induced again, I would certainly go to another hospital in fear of a similar experience. Such a let down to the maternity services at Watford!