"An excellent birth experience"

I had my second child at Newham in May 2015 and was really very impressed with everything from the ante natal care to the point of discharge with my baby.

I chose to have my care at Newham despite some bad reviews online and from people I know. But I wanted to give it a chance as there were new facilities and Barts had taken over. Right from the booking appointment, I could see that the maternity services were extremely busy and that got me worried. But they are very organised and I was seen to within a fairly reasonable time at all my ante natal appointments.

I was then diagnosed with gestational diabetes which I had with my first pregnancy. I didn't have my first child at Newham so I now have something to compare the services to. I must say, from the minute you find out you have the diabetes, the diabetes team is on board and you get a half day training on lifestyle and diet and how to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Followed by periodic diabetes ante natal clinics. These are on a Friday and because you see a Doctor, Sonographer and Diabetes nurse it does take time but it's organised and you get seen to. Just bring a good book! I felt well taken care of.

When the time came, I had to be induced, so I was booked in, and I came in at 8am to the Larch Ward and was given a bed and the lovely staff made sure I was given breakfast etc. I did forget to bring my diabetes notes so I was given a telling off for that but hey, I don't mind they're only trying to look after me. I was hacked on regularly and in the evening my contractions started. There were a few other women in the same position and it became clear that it was a very busy night and there were not many free beds in the delivery suite. In fact, one woman kicked up a fuss about it as she was waiting for a bed. I didn't feel too worried because all the staff on the ward were midwives, who actually deliver babies. The fact that I was in a bed downstairs rather than upstairs didn't phase me, I could see they were doing everything they can to get beds freed up. So I got taken upstairs when I was ready to deliver and gave birth within the next hour or so, my baby was delivered by the same midwife who looked after me downstairs and I was patched up, all seen to, my baby checked and back down to the ward after a couple of hours. Because of my diabetes I was kept an eye on for the rest of the day as was my baby and then discharged that evening. I couldn't have been more happier.

Once you accept that yes it's very busy but you're in a hospital surrounded by caring skilled people. We are very lucky to have this level of service and care in our doorstep meeting the needs of our community.