"Birthing care"

I attended KEMH for antenatal and postnatal care. On the most part, I received excellent care at KEMH. I have an anatomical anomaly (Uterus Didelphys). There seems to me to be limited knowledge amongst health professionals in regards to birthing and therefore I did experience some uncertainty which was projected in the form of suggestion of interventions to reduce possible risks, notably by junior doctors.

I felt pressured to have a scheduled induction at 39 weeks (I recall doctors in front of me, book open, name written down, what day suits you?) which I deemed unnecessary considering I had had a perfectly normal pregnancy up until then. Whilst I felt strong enough to push back and eventually went into spontaneous labour at 39+4, I didn't enjoy this experience and did consider what it may be like for someone who didn't have the literacy to navigate the health system, the existing research on the condition or the confidence to express their needs.

The team of obstetricians, anaesthetists and midwives that helped me birth my baby were outstanding. Whilst my labour progressed, there came a point where there was some uncertainty as to what was happening with dilation. I would like to acknowledge Dr Pippa who I felt very much steadied the ship and calmly offered her understanding as to what was going on, her opinion as to what the course of actions could be and gave me the time and space to consider what I would like to do. Dr Claire delivered my baby with the help of the very lovely Dr Hamish (anaesthetist) and I extend my thanks to them as well as everyone else in the theatre where I found it was a positive and happy environment. Dr Pippa also took the time to call me a week post birth to explain what had happened in more detail. I am very grateful for this.

I can not express enough how supportive the 2 midwives, Echo and Jessie, were throughout the hours I was in the birthing suite, holding my hand and encouraging me. I had wonderful care in the ward in the following 48 hours from midwives Pippa, Katrina and Monique (I think). I felt so well cared for. The visits from the visiting midwives post birth were also very helpful for me and all visiting midwives were lovely.

Finally, I had appointments at the breastfeeding centre post birth. I found this service and the lactation consultants hugely helpful. I felt empowered as I left knowing I was doing a good job, with helpful advice and that I had their support at any time.

My experience at KEMH was overall extremely positive. I do think there is space for improvement in terms of education around the impacts of interventions as well as education for doctors as to how to speak to pregnant women when advising of these options. I believe many women are very vulnerable at this time and in my opinion, they need to not feel pressured or that they don't have choice. I feel very lucky to have had the team of doctors and midwives on shift at the time I gave birth and I will never forget them for making my birthing experience a positive and empowered one.