"Maternity in a rush to discharge, despite risks"

After a traumatic labour followed by emergency c-section two years ago, I had an elective c-section here last month.

I had a high risk pregnancy with several complications and risk factors. My previous c-section wound became infected and would not heal and I was readmitted as an emergency a few days later to go back to theatre for it to be done again.

I was told this was an increased risk this time and to be careful with my recovery, which we agreed I had probably rushed the first time, trying to be up and about as normally as possible as quickly as possible.

Despite this, the midwives were hellbent on the “enhanced recovery” approach which meant I was pushed at every turn to get up and about and out of hospital. I went along with it all despite feeling my wound reopening as they had me walking around the ward the same day as my section. I went along with it as I am not a medical professional so put my faith in their expertise. I was also keen to get home so didn’t feel inclined to question the approach as they told me I was ready to go home the next day, even though I felt far from ready deep down.

Needless to say, history repeated itself. I had to be readmitted to another hospital to theatre and a general anaesthetic to repair my c-section wound which is now a total mess and requires daily visits from the community nurses a month down the line. Exactly where I was the first time. I’ve since been told at the other hospital that I should never have been on an enhanced recovery given my history and current risk status. They were astonished when I told them I was discharged after 24 hours. I wish I had spoken up about my concerns and feeling pressured to “recover” and leave but it is difficult to do so when you put your faith in the staff professionalism and expertise and, not unreasonably, assume that they will tailor the care to your situation, history and risks. Whether they were chasing some sort of target for enhanced recovery, I don’t know. Either way, it did not work for me and I am paying the price now for going along with the rush at which time.