"Could not fault maternity unit. Would definitely..."

After being seen by community the midwife at home when my contractions first started I was sent to Basildon hospital once I was 3cm dialated. The hospital were expecting me and were aware that I wanted a water birth so I was shown straight to one of the pool rooms. There was not an ounce of panic from the midwives st any stage and we were made to feel so relaxed, and I'm convinced that this is one of the reasons that my labour progressed so quickly. I was asked immediately whether I would like any pain relief and was able to straight away start on the gas and air. Our midwife at the time was so friendly and approachable. It was like being in there with a friend, just another birthing partner. And any questions we had were answered without us feeling silly or a nuisance. After about an hour of being at the hospital we went into the lounge area, no one else was in there which was nice. We sat and watched telly while I was still able to use my gas and air which was great. This definitely helped pass he time a little quicker. After my waters broke and I was 8cm dialated, just 2 hours after arriving at hospital I then got into the pool. That was a lovely relaxant. Great for in between contractions when the pain had passed briefly. The temperature was constantly checked and baby was also regularly monitored. Everything that could be done to make me feel comfortable and put my mind at ease, they did. The two midwives got my husband really involved, he examined me at one point, he cut the cord and was going to help deliver the baby. Once baby arrived we were still treated with the same amount of care and attention. I was helped to breast feed and again all our questions were answered and we were always informed with what was going on. Even during the night I wasn't made to feel like a nuisance. Overall a really great experience, we have raved about the hospital and our midwives since we left. We could not fault a single thing.