"Care after a still birth"

On the 16/01/13 I went in to labour being 9 days over due, a very happy and scary time. The first sign was a 12. 30pm and contractions started to get stronger and close together, I went to north Manchester hospital about 7pm, I was eventually seen on the assessment unit where my sons heart beat had dropped to 63. I was examined, being 4cm I was sent to the labour ward where I was checked over by a doctor. My sons heartbeat recovered and the midwife was going to break my waters. Then next thing I knew I had 3 people Around me, rolling me side to side then suddenly preparing me for an emergency c section. I was rushed off to theatre and knocked out. When I was brought round I was woken to a pained look on my partners face telling me we had lost our son during labour.

I was moved into a room for these kind of situation were my partner could also stay. The midwives were fantastic and couldn't ask for better care. With both me, my partner and family that came to the hospital. Especially when I became very ill and was kept in for 8 days.

When I came out of hospital I saw a midwife twice, then following advice I was told to ring the doctors for my 6 week check up. I was told they don't do this anymore and I will be checked over when my baby comes in for a check up.

It took me 4 phone calls before I could say that doesn't apply to me since my son was a stillborn.

The doctor was happy to see me then.

After that their has been no follow up care. I rang up for sick notes that were just signed for me to pick up.

I am very lucky to have close family looking out for me.

But where is the care for people in my situation?

Their where no follow ups to see how I am coping with the loss of my son.

I feel sorry for mothers in my situation who don't have a close family or a supportive partner. Checking up on me, making sure I am coping, venturing outside and not slipping in to depression.

I felt that I had been abandoned by care because my son was a stillborn so I wasn't entitled to post natal care after my c section that other mothers are entitled to.