"would return to James Cook again if i have another..."

What I liked

Prior to the birth, i attended an information evening and also antenatal classes at James Cook. Both were very useful for us and we felt prepared for the birth. On the big day itself, we were taken care of well from the start and all the midwives were lovely. The room was clean and i felt very comfortable (well contractions aside!). I didnt get to use the birthing pool but it was rather busy so understandable.

I thought the food was good, healthy for a new mom!

Breastfeeding support was good, my little one had trouble latching on and the midwives tried shift after shift to help her and me get the hang of it before discharging us.

What could be improved

I spent 2 nights after the birth and it got very busy in the Ward. The midwives were very stretched and sometimes a mother had to wait before getting attention, which was upsetting for some of the mothers in the same ward as me. But we always got attended to eventually. I think this is more a manifestation of the general stretched healthcare situation in UK rather than any fault of James Cook.