"The doctors and anesthesiologist ..."

What I liked

The doctors and anesthesiologist who repaired my third degree tear.

What could be improved

The midwives on the Labour Ward, Abbey Wing were too busy to spend much time with us during my labour. We were often left alone and I did not feel supported by them.

The midwife decided too late that I needed an episiotomy only to realise that I had the wrong type of bed in the room (one without leg supports). The bed had to be changed and by the time it had been it was too late - resulting in a painful third degree tear. The midwives were too busy to come and stitch up what they thought at the time was a second degree tear. After about an hour and a half or two a midwife did come and see me but then discovered it needed a trip into theatre to repair a much more serious tear after getting a consultant to see what was wrong.

We then paid (far too much) for a private room, which allowed me to sleep well but meant that I had little help or support from the midwives / nurses on the Joan Booker ward (they only come and see you if you ring the bell).

I was discharged the day after the birth without proper assistance with breastfeeding etc. Once home I had a difficult time with breastfeeding - something that I feel could have been prevented had I had better quality support in hospital.

Anything else?

I am really disappointed with the quality of care and support that I received at St Peter's Maternity department.