"Exceptional maternity care"

Throughout my pregnancy I have been provided with exceptional care. My community named midwife, Gillian, consistently went above and beyond. From the first appointment I had with Gillian I felt supported, cared for, listened to and understood. This continued throughout every phone call and appointment. Her compassionate, caring nature is evident through every interaction. Nothing ever felt like a silly question/concern and I trusted her implicitly throughout my pregnancy. Gillian manages to balance professionalism and personable/holistic care so brilliantly. She is truly made for midwifery. 

Additionally, midwives and staff who I saw at triage were always kind, caring and supportive. I attended numerous times for reduced movements and never felt like a nuisance, despite the fact that more often than not triage was extremely busy. The midwives never let this impact the quality of care they provided. 

Toni in day care also provided me with exceptional care. As someone who has struggled with anxiety for years and was being seen my perinatal mental health and had attended triage for reduced movements frequently, Toni offered a CTG 2-3 times a week. Particularly in my last few weeks of pregnancy, these appointments were pivotal to my mental health and managing my anxiety. Toni took the time to get to know me and could read my mood from the moment I arrived to appointments. Toni and day care were also very busy, but this didn't impact the quality of care I was provided.

Gillian had referred me to perinatal mental health where I was treated and cared for by Pamela . I received excellent care once again. At our first appointment I felt listened to, understood and reassured. This continued at further appointments. My anxiety was alleviated by her from the first appointment and her ongoing care and support is having an immensely positive impact on my mental wellbeing. 

Gemma was the midwife who saw me through my planned C-section. Gemma had actually introduced herself to me the week before whilst I was in day care and she realised she would be on duty during my c-section. She introduced herself and talked me through what to expect the day of and gave me an opportunity to ask her any questions. This gesture was so thoughtful and helpful to me.

Having been introduced to her before the day of my c-section made me feel reassured about the whole procedure. I felt more confident and the knowledge that I'd already know a friendly face in the theatre was amazing. This level of care, compassion and support continued from Gemma on the day of my C-section. Gemma is another midwife who is professional, thoughtful and a natural at providing holistic care. 

Furthermore, all of the staff in the operating theatre were outstanding. I couldn't believe the ease of the whole process and the encouragement and support I was provided with throughout. This was also true of midwives I was supported by in recovery. 

Maternity services nationally are continuously reported as understaffed, overwhelmed and failing to provide the quality of care that women and children deserve. However, I couldn't speak more highly of the care I received at Forth Valley. It's probably true that even Forth Valley is understaffed, underfunded and overwhelmed but your staff have never once let on that this is the case. They are a true asset to the NHS. 

The only improvement I'd suggest is continuity of consultant care. I saw four different consultants throughout my pregnancy, this meant no relationship was built was any one consultant. This wasn't ideal, however almost every consultant appointment was also very positive. 

The only exception to this was an early appointment with a consultant regarding a suspected macrosomia. I left my appointment with heightened anxiety and confusion. The consultant  had told me if my baby continued on the same growth prediction that they'd advise induction between 37-38 weeks and this would be booked at my 35 weeks appointment. This was concerning and not delivered with much care of compassion. This was also contradicted by many others down the line.

The consultant had also told me during this appointment that my fluid levels were on the threshold but didn't explain the data or what would happen beyond the threshold. They said that my baby was at risk of cord prolapse due to this. They didn't use the words cord prolapse (I learnt this through later research). All they said was that the baby is at risk as the cord has more fluid to float around and that I may break waters early which could cause the baby to get the cord wrapped around him. This was also alarming and not delivered with support, compassion and without sharing what to do in a situation where my water did break or I thought I did have cord prolapse. They said if my waters break it may be a gush or it may be more subtle. This made me feel like it would be something I could easily miss and I left feeling convinced that I could lose the baby without even realising it.

Two of my go-to relaxation techniques were baths and swimming. I was so fearful following this appointment that I'd miss the breaking of waters and my baby would be wrapped in his cord and die that I avoided those two activities.

The following appointment with Gillian to alleviate these fears and dispel misinformation shared by the consultant. Both Gillian and the following consultant appointment revealed that my fluid levels were perfectly normal. Not just below  threshold for concern.

Later in pregnancy due to my baby lying transverse, I was at risk of cord prolapse. Toni in day care also excellently explained cord prolapse to me and what to do if I thought it was happening which made me feel prepared and able to manage the risk. I was prepared at following consultant appointments to ask not to be seen by the previous consultant