"I think I should have had a second night in the hospital"

I had my first baby recently in Daisy Hill. The midwives on the maternity & labour ward were all absolute superstars, cannot speak highly enough of the care I received from them all. My midwife Chloe was so attentive and caring, fabulous midwife. 

I had an epidural, it was brilliant thanks to anaesthetist Dr. Nabeel, also Dr. Sam who did my anaesthetic top up for stitches was amazing. Dr. Hinds did my stitches, she and her theatre team were all so kind, caring, professional. Can’t thank them all enough. 

The only thing that I was annoyed about was how quickly I was put out of the hospital. I had my daughter at 4.48pm and because I had to go to theatre for stitches I didn’t get back up to maternity ward until 10pm. The next morning around 10am the midwife told me I would be home for lunchtime. I was shocked and not expecting to be told that, I asked why-and was told there wasn't enough staff for the amount of mummies that were in the ward. I understand there are massive issues with the NHS, this is not the fault of any of the midwives, I know. I was home around 4pm that day, less than 24hrs after having the baby. As a first time mummy who was also trying to establish breastfeeding I think I should have had a second night in the hospital.

The week that followed the birth I had very severe baby blues and my community midwives were extremely concerned about me and my mental health. Although I know the baby blues were down to hormonal changes etc I do feel another night in hospital would have benefited me greatly and I perhaps wouldn’t have went so low if I had of had more time to adjust to having the baby and to get over the initial shock of giving birth. 

I had a 3rd degree tear and I had to go back to the assessment unit 9 days after the birth to have my stitches checked and again, I feel I needed another night in hospital to physically recover from the birth. If I have another baby I would definitely be concerned about the aftermath.