"The staff and care received was very good and would recommend this hospital"

Had my second baby at this hospital. Midwives were very good here. I had another difficult birth. I suspected that I was having quite a big baby but community midwife (North Lanarkshire/Cumbernauld) was not concerned about my size.

Due to previous awful experience at another hospital, I was a bit concerned about the second birth. No health professional was though, and I was basically told that any help that I would need (blood etc) would 'at hand' other than an epidural. That would be dependent on other circumstances/priorities. I was assured that second babies were a bit easier HA!

My labour was a bit faster at 12 hours the second time but I could not get strong pain relief as the babies heart rate was too low. I asked for epidural but the anaesthetist was in surgery. Gas and air was only thing available which did not even touch the sides but did perhaps keep me calm.

I did get codeine but vomited EVERYWHERE soon afterwards. I did feel the pushing stage this time as I had no epidural. I pushed soooooo hard but it was not enough as babies shoulders got stuck and it turned into an emergency situation. My husband and midwives had to do some barbaric manoeuvre with my legs and hips to get my 9 pound baby out. She was rushed away to get checked out immediately. I was also given a blood transfusion as my iron was extremely low.

I was traumatised by this experience. Yes I was 'de-briefed by hospital staff and offered more debriefing. I don't blame anyone and know that there were a lot of factors involved.

No-one has a crystal ball. However, I would like the community midwives to take on board what their patients are saying to them. My bump was BIG (I'm 5'3 and 8 stone) and I did mention this a few times but I was fobbed off every time. I never once asked for a c-section because I knew what the answer would be.

I was so angry afterwards as I was worried that my baby had cerebral palsy however that does not appear to be the case now so I am grateful and I guess very lucky. People ask if I'm having a third and I say only if I win the lottery and can pay for a c-section....and a nanny!

The care was good in Forth Valley maternity. I liked how the nursery nurses and staff did not push mums to breastfeed. I did breastfeed initially but did not feel pressured. It was very much left to the mum to decide and they were supported.

Although my birth experience was terrible, the staff and care received was very good and would recommend this hospital.