"My maternity and birth experience"

When I had my first baby in Dundee 3 years ago I had a different midwife at every appointment. This time round it was so different. When I was booked in 2021 I was allowed to request a midwife from my first time round and I asked for the wonderful midwife who delivered our daughter. Even though she was not specifically a community midwife she agreed to take me on as a case load of 1. I was so grateful as she was so personal and kind and patient and everything I needed for my second pregnancy and it was altogether a much more positive and supportive experience.

I received a fantastic care throughout my pregnancy from the staff in the DMU and Ninewells. Furthermore when it came to my labour I had a wonderful midwife supporting me. Things were not straightforward, as my son had pooped and when my waters broke I was moved to Labour suite. They were also really supportive and kind. They did ask me to have my stitches without local anaesthetic as it would be easier to see what they were doing. I agreed but in hindsight it was very painful and probably worse than the whole birth itself.

However, I then was returned to the DMU for postnatal care and this was fantastic again. We had such kind and supportive staff taking care of us. We were discharged the next day and the community midwives that came to visit us were so lovely. My son was suffering jaundice and the lovely midwife that came to see us most days was so supportive of me breastfeeding and I was so grateful of her kindness.

On his 5th day he had to be readmitted to the NICU for weight loss and jaundice. The nurses in there were so wonderful. They didn't just care for my baby they looked after my emotional wellbeing too. They really went the extra mile. I was encouraged in my decisions to breastfeed and to pump for his tube feeding. However, the doctors were not so supportive of my breastfeeding as they continually told me I couldn't be sure how much my son was taking when he was latched. This really stressed me out and gave me a lot of guilt. 

Thankfully, the nurses made it clear that I was doing my best and making the right decision for me and my son. Our stay in the NICU and Transitional care were again mainly very positive experiences. We are very grateful to all of the Ninewells staff for our care throughout the pregnancy and births of both our children. They are so often treated badly and they should be acknowledged for the wonderful job they do!