"Traumatic experience saved by one midwife in particular"

I was admitted for an induction after having an emergency scan where I was told my baby was experiencing fetal growth restriction at 40 weeks 1 day. Every team member I encountered at this point explained everything very well, I felt very looked after. After examining me with a spectrum, I was told I was 2 cm dilated and therefore the induction was unnecessary and I was escorted onto the ward. I have trauma around men but the male doctor who did this made me feel safe by explaining everything. 

Once on the ward, I was introduced to the midwives who were looking after me. The student midwife made me feel particularly safe and took her time explaining everything to me. I wish I could remember her name to thank her. 

My waters were broken and then the team soon swapped over to the night team. The two midwives I had are a credit to themselves truly. I can only remember Grace’s name because her dedication to my care was so profound it will stay with me forever. But the student midwife was a credit to herself too. I felt so safe to be open and looked after. 

After being in labour for four hours unmedicated, I managed to get to 8cm. This is when I unfortunately vomited which caused my baby's heart rate to drop worryingly low and I was rushed to have an emergency C-section. Grace stayed with me the entire time and made sure to uphold my promise of not allowing my partner to see my baby before me. Each member of the anaesthesiologist team introduced themselves to me despite the panic which I appreciated. I soon woke up and had a healthy baby boy thanks to everyone’s hard work of keeping us alive.

I am told by my partner that Grace was very dedicated in supporting me even when I was out of it which makes me very grateful. She made sure my baby had been fed and I was cared for. I again wish I could thank her and the other student midwife that looked after me. After a while, Grace had finished her shift and said her goodbyes which I wish I was more aware for. I’m so sorry to the student midwife I do wish I remember your name. I was assigned more midwives until I was put in the Wheal Fortune ward. 

This is unfortunately where I feel my care completely dropped for a period of time. I was left there for hours which a catheter that I had to personally ask to be removed and emptied nearly after 12 hours. I was under the impression that they recommended you’re up and walking by the 12 hours to ensure everything is okay. I had two cannulas, one in each hand and had to ask four times for them to be removed. I felt so unclean downstairs but no one came to check if I wanted to clean up, to walk around, I was left there to lay in my own blood etc. I had to unfortunately get my visiting friend to ask to get help for me which the team did provide after. 

I’m really thankful for the nighttime team that night however who put up with me ringing the call bell every hour because I was so scared and out of it. An international midwife took very good care of me, helping me express and get the hang of breastfeeding. I was so sleep deprived that I was offered my own room which was a literal God send so I send my thanks to whoever arranged that. I continued to struggle that night and my partner was allowed to stay the next night with me. I was left alone that night but I think it was more because they were worried about my sleeping and mental health. 

Overall a positive experience that has been traumatic medically, had a few bumps in the road support wise. Thank you again to Grace and the student midwife.