"In safe hands for the delivery of my first baby"

I hate hospitals (I've worked in them and my grandfather contracted Clostridium difficile whilst in one), so I did everything within my power to avoid hospital when I discovered I was pregnant.

I planned a home birth specifically to avoid exposing my baby to MRSA, C.difficile and what I thought would shoddy staff- and to avoid parking charges!

When I realised I was in labour, my community midwife confirmed my baby was in a non-optimum position, which could make my labour very long. I therefore decided to go into hospital.

Despite being booked in for a homebirth, the staff were able to access my records quickly and get me to the delivery suite. Despite my contractions I could read the noticeboard poster which said zero incidence of MRSA and C.difficile which was great.

My baby came very quickly indeed but the staff were fantastic- focussed, professional, positive and helpful. I felt like I wanted to: a human being bringing a new precious life into this world assisted by caring motivated professionals (I had pessimistically expected to feel like another number on a conveyer belt). They honoured all my (bizarre) requests without judgement and didn't rush me or be condescending with me at any point.

When I went to the maternity ward afterwards I felt supported and in safe hands. I think the staff were very confused when I was pacing around wanting to be discharged NOW- so I apologise for my behaviour then, but i did feel great and wanted to go home; I think they are used to women wanting to stay a bit longer.

So other than a slightly too slow discharge (for my impatient nature) and car parking charges- well done the labour and maternity department of Coventry Hospital (especially jade the midwife)!