"Maternity Services"

4 months ago, I gave birth to our 2nd child at Worcester Royal. I started in slow labour and my waters broke early on a Wednesday morning in October, I telephoned Delivery Suite to update them on my progress, they gave me all the information I needed so that I knew what the next stage was. As I had not gone into established labour 12 hours later I attended Triage to have a check on our baby and more advice on what happened next, although this was a lengthy wait of nearly 3 hours to be seen, the staff were apologetic and sympathetic to the situation. I was sent home as all was well, and told to call the following morning to commence induction if nothing happened naturally. No baby, telephoned in morning, they advised no beds, so the midwife agreed I could take our first son to school and make our way to hospital after. I was asked to wait on Triage again until bed available, here we were left to naturally labour, which happened slowly. The Midwife caring for us was supportive when needed and gave good advice on pain relief and helped me to test out gas and air again (didn't like it with first labour, or this one), further discussions about a loose birth plan, came up with some good ideas for pain relief and I managed on paracetamol and a tens machine. I kept active and once there was a bed available on Delivery Suite I was helped round by the Matron of Midwifery, who was very supportive, encouraging and helpful during my contractions on the way round. All staff knew I ideally wanted as natural birth as possible and they bent their policies to help me achieve this, without contraindicating the safety of myself or baby. I was given time to relax in a bath before having to start IV antibiotics and a hormone drip to strengthen my contractions, however, none of that was needed as the midwives helped me to control my pain with water and breathing alone until an hour and half later I delivered our perfect, healthy baby boy in the position I wanted with no pain relief at all - absolutely amazing experience! Staff were professional, helpful and considerate to our needs in such demanding and stressful circumstances. My husband and I appreciated the opportunity to deliver our last baby with minimal medical intervention and due to circumstances out of everyones control with no beds, but also with sensible, professional and helpful advice we achieved the perfect outcome. We cannot thank the midwifery matron, midwives and triage enough for their extra special support and advice. Kind regards