"Birth and aftercare"

Anything else?

This is the first I have had the time to review my experience of giving birth at the RUH over a year ago. I had a very long labour and was looked after well in the delivery suite. The central heating had broken down and so had the hot water so I was freezing during my 52 hour labour and the blankets I was given were very thin! Once my baby arrived after an emergency c section ( in the coldest theatre ever as the heating was still not working), the after care was appalling. Never had I imagined the post delivery ward to be as bad as it was. It was filthy! I will not divulge too much as it is rather unsavoury but the toilets and shower facilities were absolutely vile. All sanitary bins were overflowing, blood on the floors and toilets everywhere. Baring in mind I had had a c section, I could barely move to get to my newborn to feed him and no one showed me how to do this or helped me. It was lucky I had been to NCT but it is still difficult he fist time you breast feed. The nurses weren't friendly or helpful and I had to ask for my bed to be changed and to wash my son myself. He was covered in blood from the delivery and no one offered to help clean him up. They brought the shampoo and a bowl and left me to it! I was in a lot of pain and very immobile! Also, i had to fetch your own food from the canteen (I wasn't stoing enough to wheel my baby there so I had to leave him and be quick). That night my husband was not allowed to stay. I left in 24hrs (probably earlier than I should have) but was so worried about the uncleanliness that I or my baby would get an infection. I got up at 6am that morning and made sure everything was packed and ready to go so I could get out!

Just to add - I had to remove my own dressing in the shower as instructed the evening of the surgery (no one escorted me or helped with this). Quite daunting!

I did end up with an infection to my wound and needed anti biotics (not great if breastfeeding). Wether this was a result of the aftercare or not i dont know but I wouldnt surprised. Such a shame. Next time I will go to Swindon!