"Maternity care"

I attempted a vbac at Busselton Health Campus recently and believe that parts of my care were suboptimal. My main concern is that for most vaginal exams, I felt coerced to consent (for example, being told 'the next midwife/Dr is going to want to know progress'). As labour progressed I was told that I was fully dilated and the midwife started preparing me for pushing. No urge to push came and after another vaginal exam I was told that I was only 2cm and cervix was posterior, therefore not even classified as active labour. From then on I had multiple exams, and even double ups to be sure. I did not trust any of their exams at this stage. I'd been in labour for about 30 hours and definitely felt like I was in active labour, but going from fully dilated to not even in active labour really was mentally confusing. My birth ended in a c section under general anaesthetic due to the spinal block not working unfortunately.

A further concern I have is that post birth my baby didn't sleep for about a full day on day 2 and I was exhausted. I feel like the only solution the midwives gave was to give them formula and for them to take my baby to the nursery. I refused every time as I wanted to exclusively breastfeed and through my research I believe that mum and bub should remain together and I felt formula should be avoided if possible. One midwife in particular offered formula and nursery, but when I again declined it seemed they shoved my baby's crib back to my bed and walked out. They did not return all shift. The following day, my partner noticed my catheter bag very very full so we called the new midwife. They also appeared shocked at how full it was. I feel that the previous midwife neglected mine and my baby's care.

There was a midwife Sarah and I felt she showed me the most care during labour so I would like to thank her for that.

I would also like to thank anaesthetist Dr Dennis who spoke to myself and my spouse post birth and heard our concerns. We felt that he really listened and acknowledged our concerns and I felt he agreed that our care was suboptimal. He encouraged me to speak to my Ob. However, i believe he advocated for me as the next day I was advised that a review of my case would occur.

I was told that the head of maternity would then call me post review for discussion.

I have yet to hear from anyone and it has been several weeks now.