"Giving birth at Borders General Hospital"

I gave birth to my daughter at BGH in April 2017.

As a first time mum I was feeling apprehensive and vulnerable but I couldn't have been in better hands.

The care I received from the staff at BGH was nothing short of exceptional from beginning to end. Everyone I encountered was friendly and reassuring, I know this is part of the job but I am motivated to provide this feedback because the level of support went beyond the ordinary - I felt safe, secure, dignified and genuinely cared for. I was free to make decisions and choices about the level of intervention in my labour and delivery and felt full confidence that the midwives around me had the knowledge and experience to guide me appropriately.

My labour took several days so I met lots of people, all of whom are worthy of praise for the excellent job they do. Rachel sticks in my memory as particularly supportive and caring when I arrived for an initial assessment. I left the hospital and on return I was cared for by Cora who I felt very comfortable and safe with. When Cora's shift came to an end the following morning I had to get to know another midwife - Joan - she was marvelously caring and supportive for the whole of the her shift - patient and understanding helping me keep calm. Cora then came back on shift 12 hours or so later and ultimately delivered my baby assisted by Margaret. I was doing the labouring but I have a sense of working in a team to give birth because of the wonderful support I received. I know I couldn't have had such a wonderful and fulfilling experience without their help.

After giving birth I was looked after with such care, both by the team on the labour ward but also by the team in ward 17 - thanks in particular to Gemma and Helen for help with breastfeeding and baby baths. No question was too silly or inconvenient.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience and I couldn't let it pass without leaving positive feedback to tell the staff what an excellent job they do.