"Disappointing"

What I liked

I went into labour with my second child in the early hours of the morning, due to my first child being born within 2 and a 1/2 hrs I was advised by my midwife to call the unit as soon as I start getting contractions. My husband called them and despite him telling them I had a fast labour last time they said to stay at home and take paracetamol. They asked to speak to me and told me the same as they did my husband. Ten mins later he called them back as my contractions had increased to within a few minutes. They still told us to stay at home, he advised we might need an ambulance and the staff simply said if that's what you think you better call one. He called an ambulance which arrived within minutes, the midwife arrived shortly after and my little girl was born ten minutes later. I was afraid of birthing at lister after hearing so many horror stories but I was willing to give it a chance, just as I expected we weren't listened to and ended up having an unexpected home birth. Thankfully the ambulance crew and midwife from Bedford were amazing.

What could be improved

Staff should listen to patients, especially in situations like this. We know our own bodies and had been in the same situation before.