"Thank you"

My husband and I hope that this can be forwarded to the relevant department as we wish to send our thanks for the service we recently received at Good Hope Hospital when having our baby.

I was admitted onto ward 4 during the night of Wednesday 18 April. I was not in established labour yet but was admitted to be allowed to receive medication for my back. The ladies on the ward were informative and attentive. Despite waiting longer than intended on the maternity ward, my thanks go out to the staff who tried to make my time there more comfortable.

Finally on arriving on the delivery suite on Friday 20 April in the morning, I was introduced to my midwife. Her calmness and patience were second to none and she made me feel incredibly relaxed. Despite me being planned for an induction on this date anyway, she listened to my thoughts and because my labour was progressing well, respected my wishes and allowed me to labour naturally using the birthing pool and gas and air. Our time with her was short but I wish to send my sincere thanks for making my labour a calm and manageable experience.

At lunchtime, we were introduced to a new midwife and her student. These two women then saw me through right up until 8pm and were truly phenomenal. I was made to feel comfortable and relaxed, all the while being kept well informed of my progress in labour. The baby's heartbeat was monitored constantly, reassuring me that everything was ok. I was also allowed to freely enter and exit the pool, and could remain mobile because of the wireless monitors which were used. This was extremely beneficial as I was most comfortable when stood up due to the persistent back pain.

Unfortunately, my labour did not end up progressing in the way that it should, with my waters being broken artificially, which then also later ended up with an emergency caesarian section. The midwives made every effort to ensure I was fully aware of what was happening, constantly checking my mental wellbeing and ensuring I was ok. They fortunately got to stay with us right up until our baby was delivered at 7:45pm, right at the end of their shift.

I also wish to send thanks to the staff on ward 5 following my surgery. The nursery nurses were fabulous at helping me breastfeed, or at least provide my baby with what he needed in those first few hours. The midwives were all attentive, regularly checking my vitals and administering that much needed pain medication! The staff were also incredibly helpful, answering every call I had to make, handed me my baby when desired, and changing him whilst I was in the early stages of recovery. The catering staff also provided me with the best meals I'd eaten all week so thank you very much!

We hope that this makes its way to the right people, we are incredibly grateful for the support we received before, during and after the delivery of our beautiful baby boy.

Thank you again,

Yours sincerely

Whitney, Luke and baby Rory Davies