"A fantastic place to have my baby"

What I liked

I was admitted to the maternity ward at 40+ weeks pregnant with an 'unstable lie' (baby in wrong position/moving around.) The staff were well aware that my choice was to not have a c-section unless absolutely necessary. I felt that every member of staff be it midwife/consultant/doctor treated me and my wishes with the upmost respect. In the end I needed a c-section and the whole experience couldn't have been better. Initially I was upset and the theatre staff were brilliant, calming me down and making me feel included and informed every step of the way until our baby arrived safe and well. Once in recovery I was able to feed my baby and felt everyone there was encouraging me to keep her close to my skin which is exactly what I wanted. The three days I spent in the maternity ward post-delivery were fantastic, each midwife kept me informed on my choices of pain relief and were always there to listen if I had a problem or a worry. Everyone who worked there was friendly and always had time for me. The registrar who operated on me came in to see me twice after the c-section and was reassuring and kind. The fact that I was able to talk about the c-section openly and ask questions really helped me mentally to come to terms with it. I am aware of the concerns that have been raised around this maternity unit so I just wanted to reassure other women that it is in fact a lovely place to deliver your baby.

What could be improved

Not much, I felt perhaps some of the agency midwives seemed a little brusque at times though their efficiency couldn't be faulted.