"Birth of Ayla"

After waking up in the early hours of 18th August at 37 weeks pregnant I found I was bleeding heavily. I called maternity triage and spoke to friendly lady who advised me to come down straightaway.

I arrived at triage and was extremely distressed and thinking the worst. I was asked to do a urine test as soon as I arrived. The midwife was concerned about the amount of blood loss so within 5 minutes of arriving I was taken to a room on the delivery suite and hooked up to a monitor which showed my baby was OK, allowing me to calm down.

A doctor arrived within minutes, and acted fast breaking my waters and hooking me up to a saline drip. Both the midwife and doctor were brilliant at keeping me calm and advised me of what was going on and what would happen should the bleeding continue or worsen, so I knew I was in safe hands.

My partner was unable to attend due to childcare issues, but at no point was I left alone, which was one of my biggest fears.

After a few hours it was time for the staff to change over, I was introduced to the midwife and student who would be taking over my care.

Once I was in established labour, I was offered pain relief, which was available quickly and an anaesthetist was on hand.

My labour happened very quickly, and I feel if it wasn’t for the student looking after me I couldn’t have done it without her, she kept me calm and informed as to what was going on and assisted me with pushing when the time came.

I delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 6lb 7.

I can not thank the staff enough for all they did for me and my daughter, from calming me down, holding my hand as I had no birth partner to support me, and even offering to take those precious first photos of baby when she had just been born as I couldn’t do so myself.

Shortly after delivery my partner arrived and we was allowed time for him to meet his new daughter, and myself to get a shower, before being transferred to the postnatal Ward.

The staff on the postnatal Ward was also fantastic, they was on hand to help at all times and offered pain relief regularly.

I can not fault my experience of delivering my daughter at Bolton hospital, and would definitely return if I have any children in the future. Thankyou!