"Poor experiences of Macclesfield Maternity Unit"

After many positive responses on here I wanted to write about my experience as I seem to have had a different service to many people.

I had planned a home birth in Jan 2011 after great support from the antenatal team. However in labour I was told they were too busy to send anyone out and that I would have to go in. My labour went downhill from there resulting in an emcs and 4 days in hospital afterwards with breastfeeding ruined by forcing formula on a first time mum who believed midwives knew best.

I made sure I was more informed second time round in hope that it would help. March 2013 I began labour at home and after 5 days on contractions I was in need of support. Instead I got rude, aggressive midwives who were forceful with examinations and rude towards myself and my partner. After asking the male doctor to stop a very invasive vaginal examination he sent me for a c-section, no just cause to do so, and the staff were rude and would not listen to my plea to wait. I'd only been in the delivery suit 15 mins!

As my baby was ripped from me I struggled to look at her and did not get a rush of love, feel very robbed of that experience. On the post natal ward the attitude of the staff got worse. Collapsed in agony then fainted after my catheter was removed but my bladder not working, was told my cries of pain were disturbing the other patients! It was another patient who came to my rescue, the ancillary staff member who held my hand was visibly upset that she could not get a staff member to help.

I asked for someone to walk my baby upright as I was struggling to get her wind up after the section, the midwive accused me of 'starving her'! And again forced formula on her (for the record this did not help and she was crying again 10mins later.)

This midwife decided to pay me a visit at 3am to try and justify her actions and ensure I wasn't going to put in a complaint against her. Speaking to a midwive later at my 6 week check she knew which midwife this was and suggested others had experienced similar treatment.

I asked for a debrief but the head of midwives just seemed to have her own agenda and put my labour midwife actions down to her 'being a newer midwife.'

My experience has left me with ptsd, anxiety issues and I've recently had to quit my job due to this. I would have loved more children but know I'll never be able to now.