"Thank you for the safe breech natural birthof our..."

My patient experience began with the Hypnobirthing Antenatal classes ran by the midwife. As a first timer I had no idea what to expect and the midwife gave us all the information and practical advice we needed to feel confident about labour and delivery. I am so thankful to them as they even kept in touch after the classes had finished to continue to offer support above and beyond what I expected of them. Finding out that our baby was Breech came as a shock and raised many questions that we needed answering. The staff on the Antenatal day unit were all very accommodating and gave good explanations of our options. We then attended to delivery suite for a trial ECV. Feeling nervous about this was soon eased by the very competent team that conducted this procedure (despite the fact that it was unsuccessful). Our special thanks go to the Doctor and midwife who ensured that we were given all possible options and delivered them to us in a positive manner allowing us the time to make a decision that was right for us. We decided to try for a natural vaginal breech birth where possible but only upto 40+4 weeks (the guidelines advise a c-section at 39 weeks in this situation). We agreed to an elective c-section after this time. I naturally went into labour at 38+5 weeks and was supported by the staff on the ward who encouraged me to continue with the Hypnobirthing techniques I had learnt. I was however, fully dilated by the time I got to the ward so found it difficult to keep focused as it had all happened so quickly! (My labour began at 0800 and I was assessed as fully dialated at 1130). Special thanks again to the midwife they explained everything thoroughly despite it being a time to act quickly. They remained calm and professional the whole time, respecting my wishes and asking for consent before each separate procedure was performed (I required an Episeotomy). I will always be thankful of this as I felt safe at all times during the most vulnerable experience of my life. I was then encouraged to give skin to skin and breastfeed as I had planned. This was not easy but again was given the support and information I required to be able to do what I wanted to do. I was transferred to the ward where I was encouraged and supported with breastfeeding. Special thanks to all the HCAs, team supports and doctors. I was offered a variety of tips and guidance from all members of staff on the ward and after a 2 night stay I left feeling confident that I would successfully be able to take care of our baby daughter when at home. Finally I just want to say that this was my first experience of being a patient and although I knew how vulnerable I was I felt I had to write this review to state that I never for one second felt unsafe during my stay and I will always remember it as a positive experience and this is solely due to the staff