We hear so many stories of understaffed wards and unhelpful midwives that I wanted to post my really positive experience this week. When I arrived at delivery suite i was really disappointed to be stuck there instead of at the MLU and was convinced I was on the slippery slope to the interventions I had with ds. The midwife was amazing and was really committed to helping me to get into established labour without the induction being started. She helped me to use gas and air sensibly and keep moving depsite needing to be on a continous monitor. When it came to the pushing stage instead of being yelled out to "PUSH" as happened last time she told me to listen to my body and do what felt right. Dd was born after just 17 mins of pushing and a total established labour time of 3 hours. Small tear but a lot less troublesome than my previous episitomy.
Post natal ward was also amazing. Incredibly clean and tidy, midwives were really friendly and so helpful. the woman in the bed opposite was struggling to feed and was helped ltierally every time she tried. DD cried loads so one midwife came and colllected her and took her off for a walk in the pram while i slept. DD had to have 4 hourly obs whihc were done on the dot of 4 hours without fail.
Lots more to say but this is already long. I just thought it was worth reminding other nervous mums to be that there are some brilliant maternity units and staff out there to help you have a really positive birth.
p.s can you tell I'm still high on all those post birth happy hormones

Ah that's lovely. Congratulations to you!

thanks for posting (and congratulations) -nice to hear a good story

Well done shopping, I'm glad it went well

congrats

How lovely Shopping. Congratulations
I also had wonderful experiences with excellent MWs in a clean hospital where i was told to 'stay in as long as you want' and was offered sterling breastfeeding support by all mWs and HVs.

When Ihad DD at St James's in Leeds 8 1.2 years ago, aside from the first night where they gave her a bottle of formula rather than wake me after a v long labour <rolls eyes> the MWs were great - every time I fed DD for 5 days, they would come and help me latch her on - it literally took me 5 days to "get" it and they never moaned

that's wonderful

Congratulations shopping! Sounds like a great experience - if I have another lo can I go to your hospital!
Now.......you need to post some photos of your snuggly newborn dd (so we can all get broody!)
PS - I think your ds and my dd are kindred spirits - check out the tissue photos!

they sound really lovely in your hospital.