"Future mums will be very lucky!"

I had my second baby at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital at the end of May and wanted to thank those who were involved in our care.  

I had a previous difficult birth and was referred during my pregnancy for a debrief which was invaluable for me in preparing.  Thank you to Dr Fullerton who met with me for the debrief.  This service is so important!

My baby was born very soon (I believe about 10-15 minutes) after I arrived at the hospital.  My husband and I had been in contact with the maternity triage line twice as my labour established, and even though my contractions were coming very close together and lasting a while, we were advised to stay at home unless I wasn't coping with the pain and that my labour would still be some hours.  I felt that I was coping well but that my labour was progressing quickly, however I felt like I had to say I wasn't coping.   I am glad that we decided to come in rather than stay at home, as if we had delayed any longer the baby would likely been born at home or on the way to the hospital.

When we got there, a student midwife met us at the triage area.  She was wonderful - came to rescue me from the toilet and supported me through a few contractions before I was examined and we realised my baby would be born imminently.  I think her name was Amy?  Hopefully she might recognise herself.  Thank you for your calm support.

I had originally planned to have my baby in the midwives unit but I think probably due to the speed of his arrival, I was in the labour ward for delivery.  I had been worried about this but it was a great experience and I felt very supported by the staff including the student midwife who delivered my baby. (All the student midwives that I came across from my early pregnancy care through to postnatal care were absolutely fantastic - future mums will be very lucky!)

I spent two nights in Ashgrove Ward where I was supported in feeding my baby by the midwives and also the assistants who do a wonderful job and several of them took time to help us get feeding established.  I don't know all their names - Coral was very helpful and held my upset baby while I was expressing milk.  It seemed to me that it was extremely busy in the ward and not easy for staff to check or take notes - a few times I was asked to confirm things that had happened earlier as they hadn't been updated on the electronic notes system.  This must be difficult for the staff to keep up with. All the staff that looked after me and my baby really seemed to care about our wellbeing. Miguel the midwife who handled our discharge was especially meticulous and also identified my baby's tongue tie which had previously not been noticed.

When I found out I was pregnant I was very worried about giving birth and potentially staying in hospital postnatally.  This time it was a very positive experience and this was definitely helped by the care I received.