"Giving birth to my baby girl."

I was brought in for induction at 37 weeks due to low birth weight. Although the induction process was lengthy but relatively pain free my labour was very rapid (not so pain free)! I then spent several nights in hospital with my baby girl as she struggled to maintain her temperature and sugars and she was a little jaundiced. I felt anxious for the birth, expecting it to be long and painful and of course I was worried for my baby when she had to spend some time in the incubator. Throughout the entire hospital stay the staff were amazing. Their hard work didn't go unnoticed and they should be proud of the service they deliver and the stresses they deal with on a daily basis. I felt safe and supported throughout my experience. 

My midwife Katie was brilliant. Bubbly, helpful, knowledgeable and she went above and beyond to make my partner and I feel comfortable. The little things made a huge difference: a camp bed for my partner, an extra pillow for me, as many tea and biscuits as you could ask for, offering up her own coffee from home to name but a few. She clearly explained everything that was happening with no tone or judgement when I was asking about an epidural (I've felt judged before regarding this -almost like an epidural is giving in). Thank you Katie, sorry for causing chaos with my supersonic rapid labour! 

The midwives on the induction suite and the ward were great. They never stopped. They were clearly short staffed but handled it well, extra help from St John's Ambulance meant we never went without. The catering team never stopped, I've never been so well fed! The ward was clean and facilities were good. The breastfeeding team were available every day. The Drs made regular visits and clearly explained the small baby pathway to me. 

My only negative would be staffing levels, there was a long wait for several mothers from induction to the labour ward. Every single staff member worked like a trooper but they shouldn't be under the pressures they are. 

Also just a little one, I ended up in hospital a little longer than anticipated. After 5 days I ran out of milk, the intention was to breast feed as well but due to baby's sugar levels I went straight for the bottle. When I asked for more one member of the team was a little short with me. "Haven't you brought your own?!". Five days of a hospital bed, post birth, no sleep and a tiny new born meant this upset me more than perhaps it should. The midwife didn't know my circumstances, I already felt embarrassed that I'd run out.