I know this is soppy and probably silly but I wanted to copy you on a letter of thanks I am preparing for the midwife who delivered my son on Saturday. I wanted to do it while the experience was fresh in my mind and thought I would share the draft with you all. We all too often hear how the NHS Nursing staff are stretched and don't do a good job - this is my little effort to say thank you, midwives do an incredible job...
Dear XX
I wanted to write you a letter to say thank you for the huge contribution you made towards the really incredible birth experience we had on Saturday 4th September.
When I fell pregnant the second time round I was secretly terrified of labour. My first child was delivered vaginally but with it was a very medicalised experience. Little attention was paid to either me or my husband as people - the focus was on delivering a baby in the shortest space of time possible. In the end he was delivered without too much intervention but the hormonally induced labour was terrifying. Events on that night controlled me and I really believe they triggered a fairly serious bout of Post-Natal depression.
When we met I had just been transferred onto the labour ward. I had already been given a dose of prostin (as you know) and my contractions were coming regularly but were not very effective. Both my husband and I were amazed when you said that had read not only my birth plan but all the notes of my previous delivery. You knew all the details of my previous delivery, how frightened I had been and showed an amazing degree of understanding in me, despite not knowing me at all. You could immediately sense that I am a person who needs to be in control of things and your calm, professional disposition really helped us make all the right decisions.
- When the contractions weren't intense enough you suggested alternative ways of getting them going.
- You held my hand and encouraged me
- You encouraged my husband and let him know that he too was doing a fantastic job
- you kept reminding me that I was in control and that I was doing marvellously
- You delivered our baby gently in a darkened room with soft hands and soft words.
I cannot thank you enough. Our baby is calm - I have bonded with him so well. Because we are happy our oldest child is settled and doesn't feel in any way left out.
I will always remember the way Tate came into this world - it was truly a magical experience (even though it hurt like hell!).
I will be sending a copy of this letter to the Head of Midwifery.
With our heartfelt thanks.
Mr & Mrs Dejags