"Excellent care throughout our stay"

Our baby boy was born recently by way of a C-section. The section was semi-elective as I declined an induction and requested a section after having been in early labour with contractions for around three days (waters partially breaking) and with labour then stalling. 

The care we received first at maternity assessment, then at ward 48, labour ward and finally ward 50 was excellent, and I can't even begin to thank the staff at QE enough for everything that they did for me and my little boy. I felt like I was listened to throughout our stay and I feel I had the most positive birth experience, which I think is so important. It was clear that it was a particularly busy day (no doubt not a rarity these days) but all staff members did all they could to move things along. 

There were so many incredible staff members who took care of us, but I specifically want to thank a few who really stood out.

Dr Vezza at maternity assessment immediately understood I wasn't going to agree to an induction under any circumstances, she respected my wishes and put a plan in place to allow me to return to the hospital the next day for a section, if necessary.

Whilst I only remember the name of the surgeon (Scott) and midwife (Mhari) from my section, I'd like to thank every single person who was involved as despite having had to wait all day for an available slot, the staff did everything they could to get my section done before midnight and my section experience was so incredibly positive, calm and I'll treasure the memory forever. Mhari also looked after us so well in recovery and deserves a special thank you.

I also want to thank midwives Lesley and Karen who took such good care of us during our stay at ward 50. What also stood out to me was the support I was provided with in relation to breastfeeding by midwives, volunteers etc. 

I'd also like to mention how much I appreciated the fact that my husband could stay at the hospital during the night. I fully appreciate some women may not feel comfortable with male partners on the ward during the night but I personally feel that men aren't simply visitors - they're a lot more than that and provide their partners' with emotional and physical support at a time when it's desperately needed.

I was exhausted from not having slept for days before I gave birth due to regular contractions and had my husband not been able to stay until 3am on our second night, I wouldn't have been able to cope mentally or physically or continue to breastfeed. I feel I would've been at risk of mental health issues had my husband not been able to provide the support I so needed in those first few days so for me the policy to allow birthing partners to stay is vital and must remain in place.

I didn't find any partners disruptive during our stay and my husband was very conscious of how he was whilst on the ward, he was there purely to support me and stayed in our bay as much as possible, especially during the night. 

Finally, I should also mention my community midwife Amanda at Camglen midwives as she provided me with excellent care throughout my pregnancy.