"Promoting my autonomy"

Recently I attended Geraldton hospital for a planned induction of labour, from the beginning of my birth experience the staff were fantastic. The admin ladies very friendly and directed me where to go, the midwives were efficient but still took the time to explain everything clearly, my Dr came in on his day off to do the balloon catheter and the  hotel services staff made sure my husband and I had meals in the evening. 

I had a two bed room but luckily didn't have to share so had a very peaceful night, the nursing staff came to check and offer pain relief every so often but otherwise were kind enough to let me try to get some rest. I told the midwife at one point that I was anxious and had been second guessing myself if the decision to have an induction  was the right one and she made it very clear that even at that stage I did not have to continue with the induction and had every right to choose what was best for me. I ultimately was happy to go ahead with the labour the next morning but it was reassuring to know that I was not going to be pressured into doing anything I was not happy doing and that the midwife was promoting my autonomy. 

The next morning I had breakfast and was taken to the birthing suite, my husband was called and he came to be with me for my waters being broken. The pitocin went up shortly after and things got moving very quickly. What I liked was that there was minimum fuss, we had monitoring when needed and I was given pain relief when I asked, when things got too much after a few hours I asked for an epidural and it was organised straight away. Once I had the epidural I was able to rest and once again my husband was being fed, it felt very surreal to be having a snooze while my husband is tucking into cheesecake in the middle of labour! I was so glad I was able to rest before the end, the midwives called the Dr and once he arrived the baby arrived very quickly after. We were given as much time as we wanted for skin to skin, we were given guidance for breastfeeding, I was given a can of cold lemonade which was the best drink I've ever had! I was told I needed to have a catheter put in again because of the epidural and when I declined the midwives were happy for me to make an informed decision and monitored my output instead, there was no trying to force the patient to do something just because of policies or procedures. There was no pressure to rush out, I was assisted to the shower while baby and daddy had cuddles before going back to our room. 

I have never been so ravenous as I was after labour and I was very grateful to the kitchen staff for providing really good food and lots of it for all my meals! 

That night and the next day the midwives had a really great balance of being there when I needed something and doing their regular checks but also giving me and baby time and space alone to get to know each other, I really appreciated that.

The outside courtyard is a lovely space and i was happy to be able to take baby out for fresh air and sunshine in a pleasant safe environment.

I stayed another night and took baby home on the following day, I got the feeling I could have left the day before or stayed another day if I wanted, the emphasis seemed to be on what I felt I needed and wanted as opposed to doing what is expected of every patient. 

The staff I met were just amazing, they treated me with such kindness and respect, they made whole experience a positive one and I am very grateful.