"My positive birthing experience"

On calling Maternity Triage to let them now that my waters had broken the staff were friendly and although I was encouraged to stay at home until things had progressed I also did not feel pressured to do so. 

On arriving at the hospital we were asked wait in the waiting are for a short time, this turned out to be about ten minutes, after which we were taken into a room where a midwife assessed my condition and spoke about pain relief. I was pleased that the midwife let me know about all my options and did not try to coax me into making a decision one way or the other. During my time in triage I was with the one midwife who was very supportive and friendly and was given gas and air and diamorphine.

I was transferred to the labour suite  after about an hour. The midwife there was covering from a different part of the maternity unit but seemed highly capable and again, was friendly and reassuring. I asked for an epidural and was this was arranged promptly. I was extremely grateful for this as my big concern was asking for pain relief and it not being available, or that it would take some time to be administered. 

The midwife I was with was finishing her shift and I was put under the care of another midwife and a student midwife.  The baby was under some stress and after consultation from additional medical staff  it was decided that I would be prepped for surgery. This decision happened quickly and I was feeling scared about the situation but the midwife was very caring and calming and helped to put me at ease. I would like to say a big thanks to this midwife and the student midwife.

Before and during surgery, all staff took time to explain what was happening and to answer any questions. I felt that I was dealt with by a very professional team. My husband also felt this too.

The postnatal ward was comfortable and welcoming and I had no concerns over my care there. After the first night I was told that I could go home but that if I felt i needed to stay for more support with  e.g. establishing feeding then that was no problem. I stayed one more night.

I would like to thank all the staff at Wishaw General Maternity who were involved in my care for making my birthing experience a positive one.