"Birth and care of baby"

I had a planned caesarean section due to the baby being in breech position. The process of being admitted, having the baby and the postnatal care has been flawless. The staff have such incredible bedside manners and are all so friendly and supportive. I never felt like a burden and I received so much new knowledge, especially being a first time Mum. 

The biggest highlights of thr entire experience have been:

1. Every midwife and doctor have taken the time to sit and properly explain what was happening, allowing me plenty of time to absorb and understand the information and ask questions

2. The fact that the hospital is baby friendly and all the wonderful things like skin to skin and breastfeeding are encouraged. I just feel like I will be more successful at breastfeeding as all the midwives are so breastfeeding positive.

3. No one will just do something to me and my baby. I am always asked and given plenty of opportunities to provide or take away consent

4. I felt like a human. The midwives gave me the opportunity to shower, or make sure I am comfortable. All of this is so important to feel ready to go home.

5. The teaching provided has been flawless. It is clear that all midwives are extremely experienced and understanding of caring for a newborn and they provided that information to me in such a calm and concise manner. They are understanding that we won't remember it all and are happy to repeat themselves, as well as go that step further to explain something in greater detail. I knew there was a lot to learn, but I haven't felt overwhelmed with information.

The midwives I would really like to provide a shout out to are:

1. Tamara - she welcomed us as I was being admitted before the caesarean as well as cared for us during the post natal stay. Tamara is so kind and helped me feel so calm and ready to welcome my son into the world

2. Zoe - i was shocked when I wound out that Zoe was still a student as she showed us so many things and taught it in a manner as if she had been doing this for a very long time. Zoe always had such a friendly personality as I was encourage to shower, get out of bed, etc which helped with my healing

3. I never caught this midwife's name but she was of Asian background and spent incredible amounts of time explaining so many things like cluster feeding, baby changing or rashes, etc. The information she gave made me feel so empowered and confident to welcome all these changes that we were experiencing. Not only that, she would make sure everything was in order like picking up anything of the floor that may have been dropped, etc. It is clear that she is putting her maximum effort into her work and it is greatly appreciated.

4. Elizabeth - we got to enjoy Elizabeth's company for two evenings and she got me through the hardest night, being the night 2 cluster feeding which I was not aware of the full extent of how demanding it would be. I buzzed Elizabeth so many times throughout the first night she looked after us and not once did I ever feel like I was being a burden. You can see how much love and care Elizabeth has for all these new babies, as well as the new mothers. She taught me so much and played an enormous part of my recovery and transition into motherhood. 

In addition to the above specific points, every midwife would greet me with a smile on their face, speak in a calm and friendly manner and provide quality information at a pace that my new mum brings could handle. It is also clear that the midwives are very friendly and happy working with each other as it was always smiles and happiness in every single interaction.

I am forever grateful to all the staff who were involved in the delivery of my son. It was truly the best experience and I would recommend St George to every expecting parent just for how supported I felt.