"Amazing birthing experience"

I would like to start by saying how nervous and apprehensive I was about the birthing experience as it was my husbands and I first baby. Also being a health care professional myself I am so used to being on the 'other side' and not being a patient.

From the moment we first contacted the unit for some advice in the early stages of labour to when we were admitted - the staff on the phone were helpful, calming and made us feel welcome before we even arrived.

On arrival in the early hours of the morning we were met by a midwife and student duo who were so welcoming and cheerful even though it was 02.00AM - after a quick check we were advised to go home but to call at any time if we had any questions or concerns. Approximately 12 hours later my husband rang the unit due to an increased amount of pain where again we were advised to come down to the unit. I was assessed, examined and admitted swiftly by another midwife and student duo the student straight away asked me what pain relief I would like which was exactly what I wanted to hear!

Due to requesting a epidural we had a staff member with us at all times which was mainly the student, who made us feel totally relaxed, gave us our own personal space but also made their presence known if when needed. By the end of the shift we had such a great rapport with both the midwife and student my husband and I felt both staff and student had been so welcoming and made us feel relaxed and dignity in tact - the staff even made sure we had the same midwife and student from the night before for the next 12 hours to keep consistency which made us feel special and which we really appreciated.

Once again the midwife and student made me feel so welcome and also remained so professional, even during invasive examinations I was made to feel calm and we even had a few laughs along the way. At approximately 04.00AM the baby started to become distressed but the midwife was so on the ball that before I knew it they had a lovely doctor assessing me and baby to make sure everything was still progressing - unfortunately things were not and we needed an emergency C section. My husband was taken to get changed and I was wheeled to theatre where the birth of our first baby - named belle Valentina was born. The theatre staff were also so amazing on the whole and the doctor who performed my surgery did such an amazing job with regards to my stitches and scar.

This review is just a small part of our whole experience that weekend which was so overwhelming for my husband and I. To be cared for by such amazing staff members and students over the whole weekend from start to finish shines such a great light on the maternity sector and the NHS.

I would appreciate if the staff mentioned in this review are made aware of how they made our birthing experience so exceptional and what an amazing job they all do!