Things you wish your midwife had done for you in labour?

[Wavypurple]

I know that the title is quite broad, sorry! I start a new job soon as a maternity HCA. I’ve worked as an HCA for a few years but never in a labour ward.

I’m not a qualified midwife as mentioned so will just be doing the standard jobs (blood pressure etc.) which usually leaves me with some time to speak to/comfort patients and do nicer things for them than just the clinical stuff.

Is there anything you would’ve really appreciated when you were in labour? Anything you would’ve liked someone to say to you?

Sorry if this post if a bit vague, I don’t have kids myself and I’ve never worked in this environment before so I want to do my best for these women.

Thank you in advance!

I've had three daughters all at the same hospital and the ante natal care and labour care was amazing. Unfortunately once I was back on the ward it was never a great experience. I had prenatal depression and anxiety I had been under the mental health team for most of my last pregnancy. After my baby was born I was taken up to the ward and my husband had to leave. The ward was empty except for me. It was the early hours of the morning. No one came to see me the whole night and I was up and down at the toilet. I had to go to the nurses station to ask for more toilet paper and they were so offhand with me. I would have loved a cup of tea and just a bit of company, Looking back I wish I had just gone home and not stayed.