"Maternity"

I am writing to provide feedback regarding the birth of my first child in October and my experience at St John of God Midland Public Hospital.

Throughout my pregnancy, my antenatal care was provided through the new Endorsed Midwife clinic with Kristy. Kristy is an incredible asset to the team – her expertise, compassion and continuity of care made my antenatal experience extremely positive. Being able to attend the clinic outside the main hospital was also a huge benefit, particularly in late pregnancy when ease of access and short wait times make such a difference. I am very grateful for the care I received through this clinic and would highly recommend it to others.

Unfortunately, my birth experience was heavily marred due to the birth suite being on bypass throughout the entirety of my labour. I ultimately gave birth at a different hospital that I had never attended before. This was extremely distressing, particularly as there had been no information provided during my antenatal care or education to indicate that bypass was a possible outcome, or what it would mean for me during labour.

While in active labour, we were left waiting for a phone call to find out which hospital we could go to. The uncertainty added significant fear to a situation that is already vulnerable and overwhelming, and it was a disappointing and distressing end to an otherwise excellent continuum of care.

Additionally, when I first presented to the hospital the previous day, I had already been in early labour for 24 hours and was physically exhausted and unwell. I was vomiting in the hallway outside MFAU while facing a lengthy wait to be assessed in the middle of the night. I was eventually reviewed and found to be 3 cm dilated with ongoing contractions, but was sent home rather than being offered monitoring or admission.

Given that the hospital subsequently went on bypass, this felt undermining to my continuity of care and did not seem to take into account my exhaustion or the likelihood of progression. In hindsight, being discharged so close to the unit later going on bypass placed me at risk of being without appropriate support during labour.

My recommendation is that communication around maternity bypass is improved during antenatal appointments and antenatal education, so that mothers are aware that this may occur, understand how it is managed, and feel safe and prepared in the event of a diversion. Clearer guidance for staff around supporting labouring women when bypass may be imminent may also help protect continuity of care and prevent similar distress for future mothers.