Your Maternity Care Experience

I had a horrible experience, mainly because of the hospital being over capacity, I don’t have any recommendation other than don’t give birth there, although from other posts a lot of people have good experiences. I guess it depends how long you stay in the hospital and the birth itself, I had minimal care and me and my partner were constantly chasing them to do basic things like changing my urine bag before it overfills, I couldn’t breastfeed and they were counting the formula they gave me like there was a shortage, a midwife even told me to stop pressing the button because I was waking everyone up, but I couldn’t get anyone to help me. I kept asking for help with breastfeeding and no one took the time to talk to me about it or checking for good latch or recommending positions, also they fucked up my epidural, I know there’s always a risk but the anaesthetist looked in a rush when she came into the room, my baby is 6 months and I still can’t feel one of my legs.

I’m traumatised to the point of not wanting another baby just because of that experience. Long way but I’ve heard good things about Warwick hospital.

@Miros I am so sorry that you had such a horrible experience! :( did you give birth in the ward or the birthing unit? And have you put in a complaint about your experience?

My waters broke on the day of my scheduled c section at 2am I went into triage and they were amazing and so caring, clearing up my constant fluid and changing bed sheets etc. consultant came and she’d turned so I could have a natural birth so sent home and told to come back at 11pm for induction. I went back earlier as reduced movement and left in triage for a while then moved onto ward when a bed was free. There was bed shortage in delivery suite and they were short staffed in delivery too. I ended up being in hospital for two days and not needing the induction as I progressed naturally. Whenever I requested pain relief I was given it and constantly checked even though at most time there was only two midwives to two bays of women but the students and HCA were amazing. We went down to delivery, I had the same midwife for 12 hours, so her entire shift, she was amazing and encouraging, caring and never left my side unless it was to go get a second opinion on something or when she went

For her break. She was so kind and accommodating to my partner too. When she left the next two midwives I had delivered my baby within half hour, again amazing helping me with breathing and telling me when to push and encourage me. The lead midwife stitched me up beautifully. We stayed there for a while as no beds on ward. Up on ward after delivery wasn’t the best but again short staffed so did what they could, helped me breastfeed, changed my pads n took my catheter out when asked. I had such a relaxed birth I even fell asleep for 3 hours! I cannot fault any of the midwives they are genuinely so caring and lovely. I think they are rather restricted by people above them and it’s not their fault they are short staffed. I honestly couldn’t have had a better experience. This was in June so fairly recent.

@Sinead thank you for sharing your experience. I'm glad you had a great experience! It's gives me a little bit of hope. I haven't even had my first pre reg appt yet so I think I'll go to that and just see how it goes :)

Hey I sadly don’t have a good experience at L&D either and their maternity department is currently requiring improvements after their report was found inadequate I believe. Wishing you all the best in your journey. 🩷🙏🏾

@Lesley hello, thank you for sharing. May I ask how long ago was this? X

I had a c-section at L&D in February and was in for 4 days. Athough the midwives were pretty stretched they were kind and reassuring and helpful. I think wherever you go you will find the staff are pretty stretched! It’s also got a fantastic NICU but hopefully you won’t need to use it.

@Sadiya thank you💕 in the ward due to complications, did file one and still waiting to hear back!

@Miros I hope they get back to you and offer you an apology! I hope you are doing okay now and baby is well xx

I had great experience with Luton hospital the midwives are so so helpful and so lovely honestly

Just gave birth few days ago. Unfortunately I didn't have a good experience. I had a really bad one 😞

My L&D experience was positive

I haven’t given birth yet but I did go into triage with early contractions. I can definitely say the night shift midwives are so helpful and supportive, tend to your needs much more closely than day shift. I assume it’s because it was pretty quiet the night I went in and then during the day it started getting busier (as normal). Regardless, the night shift nurses seem to attend more often and it’s lovely experiencing that

I had a traumatic experience that same night as they had to check if my cervix was open since I was only 34 weeks. It was horrible to say the least and the doctor performing it barely told of the risks, benefits, alternatives etc. when I said I’m sure I have a choice in this, she literally said “well no not really, it’s something that has to be done” 😓😒 anyway, it was the midwives there that we’re trying to calm me down during the procedure and told me and my husband all about the injections/what they’ll do/happen in the next few days