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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think a 4 hour wait is ridulous!

331 replies

BlackEyed · 06/04/2012 12:16

Been to see my midwife this morning, am 38 Weeks pregnant. The midwife was a little concerned as babys heart rate is dropping at times and so she may be in distress.

She told me to go straight to labour ward to be checked. They operate a triage system where it's a first come, first serve system unless an obvious emergency.

Just arrived to be told the wait time is 4 hours. Best hope the baby isn't in distress as if so who knows what could happen in 4 hours!

There are 5 other women here, including one pregnant with twins and bleeding heavy and one clearly in labour who has just been ushered into the room. I hope there not expecting her to wait!

There is only 3 chairs in a room more suitable to being a cupboard and people are standing in corridors, sitting on floors etc.

This is because it's in the process of refurbishment. It's a terrible hospital anyway and really didn't think it could get any worse but it clearly has.

Anyone in the Cheshire area will know what hospital I am talking about.

Now I'm terrified at the prospect of giving birth here in the next 2 Weeks, surely this is dangerous and they shouldn't be allowed to operate so poorly.

I understand there is work on and it's a busy time etc. but AIBU to expect a certain standard no matter what and to think that waiting 4 hours for something that could be really serious is not meeting that.

OP posts:
Babieseverywhere · 08/04/2012 11:23

Congratulations :)

changeforthebetter · 08/04/2012 12:04

Congratulations - so pleased everything turned out OK for you and your DD Smile

EricNorthmansFangBanger · 08/04/2012 12:27

Congratulations! Welcome to the world babyblackeyed :)

Wolfiefan · 08/04/2012 14:57

Congratulations. Enjoy the cuddles!

bronze · 08/04/2012 17:27

Congratulations

Did we ever find out what happened to twin Mum?

BlackEyed · 08/04/2012 18:10

Wow I am so touched and over whelmed by all the people posting here!

We are now home and I'm enjoying some couch time snuggles while DP has taken DC 1 and 2 to visit inlaws.

After arriving on the ward Fri evening I was hooked straight up to a monitor and a full trace was done. The doctor was reluctant to induce unless it was clear there was a problem as with the suspected IUGR (only suspected not confirmed) he was worried about babies size. That was the reason we were waiting for a scan in the morning, I actually had a growth scan booked for Tues.

Anyway after a restless night during which I was monitored lots I was taken down for a scan. This showed no signs of IUGR just a small baby and no sign of any placenta or cord problems, phew.

The doctor ummed and arred a bit about what to do as there was no obvious problem and no reason found for the baby to be in distress (trace in the morning was normal so baby no longer distressed at this point).

In the end ir was decided that I would be induced as they did not want to risk a repeat and baby not recovering as well.

Induction was starterd late morning and only took one dose of the gel and my waters being broken to get things going so wasn't too medicalised which I was pleased about.

Had a 3 hour and 17 minute long labour (lucky me) before she arrived safe and sound. She is small but healthy and has no ill effects from arriving a little early.

I have to say the treatment was great once I was on the ward, everything was explained to me, questions answered etc. and had a lovely midwife with me during labour. Will be putting in a complaint about the triage department and the delays etc. but pleased that from then on things greatly improved.

Have decided to name little one Clara, don't know why lol it wasn't even on our short list but she just seems to suit it.

Can't get over how small she is. DC 1 and 2 were 9lbs and above so she seems so tiny compared to what I'm used to. Will have to pop out and get her some more vests and sleepsuits soon as I only bought 0_3 months and they hang off her!

Thank you so much to all who showed concern, it shows what a lovely community mumsnet really is and will definitely tell Clara when she is old enough how many people were awaiting her arrival!

Oh and never found out how twin mum was sadly. She wasn't on the ward that I saw but it's fairly big and with being monitored I couldn't wander round. Hope that all was ok with her and her babies however, she was lovely and so worried.

OP posts:
blubberyboo · 08/04/2012 18:19

oh congratulations a lovely end to a traumatic story...i read your posts on saturday and just thought "this lady is standing for 4 hrs with nothing to eat!" xx

PestoPenguin · 08/04/2012 18:24

Clara is a gorgeous name Smile. I'm so glad to hear that everything turned out well and that you're both home & snuggling safe and sound. Well done!

ohyouBadBadkitten · 08/04/2012 18:26

Clara is a beautiful name :)

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 08/04/2012 18:29

Lovely name [bugrin]

Heswall · 08/04/2012 18:33

Oh Clara is divine, love it :-)

Nat38 · 08/04/2012 19:09

oh wow!![busmile] Glad both yourself & Clara are ok!![bugrin] Congratulations!!ThanksThanks

marriedinwhite · 08/04/2012 19:11

She'll be filling out those babygros in no time. I know a Clara and she's divine. Hope all goes well and glad it all worked out so well. Most exciting thread I've ever read. FANTASTIC (!) Good Luck.

FoofFighter · 08/04/2012 19:13

Clara is a beautiful name, welcome to the world little one :)

M0naLisa · 08/04/2012 19:23

Awww just read all of thread. How awful is that department? defo put in a complaint.

Congratulations Thanks
Clara is a beautiful name

Angelico · 08/04/2012 19:28

Congrats OP! So happy for you! But please, PLEASE make a complaint for the sake of the other women who will be coming in to this completely disgusting system after you. We should not have to celebrate for receiving good care (which you finally did) - we are fucking entitled to it! Having friends and family who are NHS workers they wish more people complained / brought claims etc as it is only when it costs hospitals money that they start making changes.

Wishing you and your family all the luck in the world! xo

Chubfuddler · 08/04/2012 19:35

How much did she weigh? Dd was born by Elcs at 39 weeks and was only 6 lb 10. She's eight months now and weighs 23 lbs Blush. The little ones often grow like topsy.

heliumballoons · 08/04/2012 21:31

Clara is a beautiful name. Smile Congratulations.

cambridgeferret · 08/04/2012 21:44

6lb 10? Mine were 4lb 8 and 4lb 3,
4lb 8 one is now built like a brick privy :)

Wolfiefan · 08/04/2012 22:07

So glad to hear of the happy ending. Sending Easter greetings and wishes for future happiness to your whole family. Welcome to the world Clara!

BaldricksTurnip · 08/04/2012 22:35

What a wonderful outcome and beautiful name :)

marshmallowpies · 08/04/2012 22:43

Love Clara: what a beautiful name & so glad all is well! Smile

curiositykitten · 08/04/2012 22:47

Huge congratulations! Clara is a beautiful name - was on my list for DC2.

FunkyChickensOnTheMove · 08/04/2012 22:52

Oh congratulations!! Im so happy all is well in the end!! Enjoy your beautiful baby!! x

hermionestranger · 08/04/2012 23:06

Clara is a very lovely name! I know one and she's a toughie! Grin