"Professional, caring, friendly and sympathetic all..."

What I liked

I had a water birth in the Birthing Suite in October 2011 and it was a memorable experience - and I mean for all the right reasons. The midwife was amazing and listened to exactly what I wanted. She did all she could to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed and understood what was happening. I never felt uncomfortable, hurried or pressurised into doing anything. I had the same midwife from arriving at the hospital to being stitched up which helped tremedously. My little boy was born in the water and I was very, very happy with the treatment both me and my son received. We left hospital the day he was born.

3 days after he was born unfortunatley he picked up an infection and we were admitted back to Mendip Ward so he could have anti-biotics administered in NICU. We were on Medip Ward for 4 days/3 nights. I can't praise the staff enough. One night I was having trouble breast feeding so rang my buzzer. One of the members of staff came and sat with me on my bed in the early hours of the morning for almost 2 hours helping me, comforting me and making sure everying was OK. Despite the ward being busy, her time and patience was admirable and without her I very much doubt I would have been able to continue to breastfeed. I always regret that I didn't take her name so I could write to thank her personally. Every single member of staff was friendly and helpful - from the consultant to the cleaner. Everyone was happy to chat when you wnated too but at the same time respect your privacy when you wanted it.

I'm now expecting my second baby which ideally will also be delivered in the Brithing Suite and if the second experience is anything like the first I will be a very lucky mum!

What could be improved

Food at the end of the day is hospital food. Not amazing but having said that, I never went hungry either!

Anything else?

I would encourage people to take a veriety of clothing as sometimes the ward was really hot and sometimes it was slightly more chilly. I dodn't know if that was just me though!!