"A big thank you to the Maternity Team"

Anything else?

I am writing to outline our extremely positive experience over the course of my wife (Laura) staying in hospital between. It is very easy to remember negative experiences and register a complaint. However, the care we received was so positive that it is not something we will ever forget. To be clear, our positive experience does not result from a straight forward child birth, as there were a number of minor complications, instead our positive experience is a direct result of the very special people that protected, supported, guided and cared for Laura, our baby and myself. In terms of specifics, by the time we made it to hospital at 9pm on the Sunday, Laura had already been in labour for 19 hours and was in a fair amount pain, stress and fear as this was her first baby. Our midwife took complete control of the situation, calming Laura down immediately. Over the next 11 hours, they created an environment which felt safe and calm. The midwife was able to handle both my wife and I in different contexts, providing information to me to stay calm and be able to support to my wife and at the same time reassuring Laura preventing her from wasting energy. Although the labour did not progress as hoped, it felt that we were all working together in a safe environment as a team. It is difficult to describe in writing the difference the midwife made to us, but all I can say is that it wasn't just the job she did for us but the way she did it. I simply cannot overstate how grateful I am to her for how she cared for my wife during what could have been a far more traumatic time. In addition, some of the technical advice she gave us about breast feeding for example has proven invaluable. I will never forget what she did which in my opinion is beyond 'just doing her job' in terms of guiding us through labour with a safe and supported environment. However, our journey did not end there, as there are several other people that showed extremely high standards of care for all of my family. The midwife was with us for the worst hours of the labour but we would like to give special mention to the other members of staff who were also key in reaching the safe delivery of our child whilst ensuring the experience was not mentally scarring for Laura. Other members of staff also supported Laura in her recovery and were always willing to spend time giving us advice. Particularly on breast feeding which is an unknown for all first time mothers and a source of insecurity for Laura until advice and comforting words were given. Laura also wanted to pass on a note to say that in addition to the above comments, she has received significant care and advice by her community midwife. We will never forget what they did for us. As I have said, Laura's labour, operation and recovery were not without complications. Therefore, I will repeat our positive comments are directly attributable to the staff.