"A really positive birth experience, even the..."

What I liked

The midwives were fantastic - very responsive, caring and patient. I was always kept informed. Treated with absolute dignity and even the food was more than acceptable. I loved being able to shuffle into the day room next door to eat. I never felt forgotten or rushed despite the fact that I could see they were incredibly busy. My previous experience at a London maternity unit had left me terrified of going back into a maternity unit but this was a very positive experience.

What could be improved

Midwives were very cautious about permitting co-sleeping. Presumably on account of whatever their current guidelines were. But they are the only way for some to get sleep, so might be useful to allow them to teach safe co-sleeping, where appropriate. And get proper sidecar cots that attach to the beds. Both these things were present at the London hospital I was at previously.