"Labour induction"

We would like to share some feedback on our recent experience in Day Unit / Triage / Ward 23 / labour ward in Wishaw General Hospital.

I was sent for a growth scan by my midwife Marie. From the scan they confirmed that the baby was small and I was sent to triage for a trace. In triage, Michelle looked after me. She was so friendly and made me feel so at ease as I had attended the hospital on my own. Even though the ward was busy, I didn’t once feel like I was forgot about.

I was told to attend the Day Unit the next day for another trace. When I arrived, a midwife called Nikki / Vickie (blond hair and very friendly) looked after me. Again she made me feel immediately at ease and explained everything that was happening regarding the trace. 

After speaking to the consultant, she explained that they thought it was in the best interest of myself and the baby to induce early. I was given a steroid injection to strengthen the baby’s lungs and asked to come back in 24 hours for the second injection, and that I would be admitted and induced on the following night! Even though this came as a shock, everything was fully explained and I left feeling reassured that this was the best decision.

Second steroid injection was given the next day at the day unit.

Myself and my husband arrived at ward 23 at 8pm. I was given a bed straight away and we were introduced to two midwives, Francesca and Daria. They sat down and explained the processes that would happen. I was put on a trace of the baby’s heart. 

At 9pm Francesca examined me. They explained that Daria was a student midwife and asked if it would be ok for her to examine me also. I never felt under any pressure to agree, and I obviously wanted her to learn what to look for from her mentor. I was unfavourable for a sweep, at only a finger tip . Daria then administered the gel pessary, explained what it would do over time, and that they would re-examine me in 6 hours to see what progress had been made. My husband left the ward at 9.30pm.

Things then started to progress quite quickly which I was very surprised about! By 10.15pm I could feel strong contractions and was pacing the hall trying to concentrate on breathing. I didn’t think I could be in labour so quickly so I asked for some pain killers. I got painkillers straight away and was examined again. By now I was 2-3cm. I then called my husband to come back to the hospital! 

Daria helped me walk down to the labour ward so that I could have some gas and air. She always made me feel very well looked after and so at ease in her presence.

Throughout our time in the delivery room, both midwives were incredible. They explained everything as it was happening and I always felt like they were in control. 

Both midwives were a great support to my husband as well (obviously it’s a stressful time for men!)

Even with Daria being a student, I was more than confident having her look after me. She is such a genuine person and being a midwife is definitely her calling!

We honestly cannot thank everyone enough for the care that we received before, during and after our daughters birth.