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LD's Experience

During my pregnancy I received very good prenatal treatment, (although some things could have been managed better).

I needed Anti-D injections because my blood type is Rhesus Negative which could pose a threat to my unborn child, however I was given the Anti-D injection 2 weeks later than when I should have, and following on the events surrounding the birth were quite distressing.

During pregnancy I was told I was high risk due to a previous c-section and not able to go over 2 weeks after my due date. My due date was the 20th February and I was supposed be induced on the 2nd March 10 days over-due.
I came in with reduced movement on the 27th February which they just monitored but couldn't offer me a bed so I had to come in daily until March 2nd. I had a bed but was told they couldn't/ wouldn't induce me and didn't seem to see me as high on the priority list.

On March 3rd I discharged myself because I wanted to be home with my husband before he left. 4th March they called me to say they still didn’t have any beds and offered to transfer me to another hospital. I was so upset they said to come in and that's when they noticed baby's heart rate was irregular and broke my waters and took me to theatre.

I had him at 13 days past due date.

 

Labour & Delivery

Did you feel listened to?
NO – I was under the impression that they would not allow me to go over 2 weeks because of previous c- section, yet when the time came, they did not seem as concerned because they did not have beds on the labour suite.

Did you feel valued?

NO – I told them my circumstance, (that) my husband had to travel and would miss the birth. I was told they would see what they could do but then nothing.

Did you feel empowered?

NO – I suggested going to different hospital where they could accommodate me. This request was ignored and nothing was done until there was an emergency.

[My] labour was short as my baby was in distress and I was taken into theatre.


What could have helped you have a better labour and birth experience?

If I was given the bed on labour ward and induced on time, I would not have panicked and may have had a natural birth. I wasn’t happy that I was left until my baby was showing signs of distress until I was taken to the labour ward.


POSTNATAL

How was your health and recovery once your son was born?

The neonatal staff were brilliant. I was able to be with my son after he was sent (to the unit). I was in 2 different bays whilst I was in hospital and though I was treated well by the staff I couldn’t help notice that I was placed in rooms where there were only women of colour. I was there for 5 nights.

My son was well taken care of during my stay at the hospital. Because of Covid-19, I’ve only had one call from the health visitor however I was able to get advice when I called.

I was quite emotional because my husband had missed the birth but I was able to cope mentally and physically.

Tips for new moms

Be assertive with what you want / feel for your birth.

Be prepared if your birth plan doesn’t go to plan and discuss this with your midwife beforehand.

If possible, keep active during your pregnancy it will help after birth.

LD