"Positive experience"

I gave birth to my daughter via planned c section on 28th September and the experience of my care in hospital as well as the postnatal care was very positive. All the staff who my husband and I encountered were welcoming, friendly and professional but in particular the midwifery team including the healthcare support workers were all fantastic. The ward was busy with 36 babies during the night we stayed but the staff did not let this affect their professionalism and the excellent care they provided to patients.

Although we could tell they were short staffed and stretched, this didn’t stop them giving us the time and attention we needed. Like a lot of first time mums I struggled with getting the hang of breastfeeding at first but I was well supported by the staff on shift who sat with me and the baby giving step by step tips and guidance without being critical or patronising.

As I recovered well after c section we were keen to get home as soon as possible and the team respected our wishes, allowing us to be discharged just 27hrs after the op.

The midwives who I saw for both antenatal and postnatal appointments were wonderfully warm and personable as well as being direct and informative, which is so important particularly when coming into patients’ homes and for anxious first time parents like us.

Overall a really excellent example of the ongoing hard work and dedication of staff within our NHS.