Should anyone search Newham General again, here is my experience. After 16 hours of contractions I went to the booking in unit at Newham general. They internally examined me and said I was zero dilated and had a high cervix. Told me to go home, have a hot hot bath and come back in 4 hours. The midwife was very competent and professional and friendly. The reception staff and 'helpers' were all nonchalant and uninterested, blunt and unfriendly.
I went back in 4 hours as directed, was 4.5 dilated. They gave me a sweep during that 2nd internal examination, not sure if that is standard and I was not asked, again not sure if that is standard, they just did it. Although, she did tell me what she was doing when she was doing it. Again, very professional and competent. They decided I was low risk so could go to the midwife led unit as I requested. there was a bed being made available for me, although I did have to wait in reception for an hour. I was taken up to a very nice CLEAN room in the midwife unit. I was given a mobile gas and air canister, birth ball and mat to use during my labour. The midwife mentioned she could not internally examine me for 3 hours yet and she left me and my husband in the room. 5 minutes later my waters broke and all hell seemed to break loose!
My trousers were whipped off by the midwife, and I jumped on the bed. She could then examine me and exclaimed I was now 9cm dilated and nearly ready to go. She started preparing the bed with the birth pack but by then I was grunting which indicated birth was close. She exclaimed oh my goodness this baby wants to be born NOW, 2 pushes and jack was out.
Unfortunately I tore, 2nd degree. the midwife had tried to slow the birth, asking me to do 'little pushes' but my body wasn't listening so unfortunately tore. baby was not washed as I requested, and cuddled directly. EVERYTHING bar one thing (which she forgot, dad to tell me baby's sex, she told me first then apologised) on my birth plan was followed to the letter. Even down to the dimmed lights. It was a fantastic experience. UNTIL SHE STARTED STITCHING, LOL! but even that she did very well.
To summarise, the level of care I received in The Midwife led unit in Newham was fabulous. It far exceeded my expectations. They were all terrific. The aftercare team were great too. I had trouble breastfeeding and the support was outstanding. If it wasn't for them I would have given up and put jack on formula but they encouraged me to perservere which made all the difference.
If anyone has any specific questions please don't hesitate to pm me