"Caesarean section"

I had a booked caesarean in Albany. Overall I loved the care from the midwives and my GPO and was very greatful for such a great service. I found the postnatal care was excellent along with the breastfeeding advice. I was also very lucky to get a couple of the same midwives day to day. That was very much appreciated and made the care I received very personable.

There were just a couple of things on the day of the caesarean that were a little disappointing.

Firstly, I think it's a shame that partners can not be present during the spinal, I am aware of other hospitals that this occurs at and am not sure the issue why Albany can not facilitate this. Our GPO and the midwives did warn us about this before hand which I was greatful for, otherwise it would have been quite a shock as I thought the partner being there was routine practice.

Secondly, despite the ward feeling fairly busy the morning of the caesarean, I felt we received very nurturing care from the midwife. I think as a result of the busy ward we arrived in theatre late. I found the theatre staff very unprofessional about mentioning how late we were. They brought it up several times and made the feelings in the room slightly tense. I was amazed at our midwife's ability to stay so professional when the theatre staff seemed rude.

Additionally I was very keen for skin to skin straight away if the baby was crying. I discussed this with the baby doctor on the day who asked if they could bring baby to the cot for a quick check before hand. It was hard for me, but I advocated for myself and said only if baby is not crying or had other concerns, otherwise I would like them straight to me. Baby came out screaming and looked well to me. I was excited to hold them. But next thing I knew my partner was going to the cot to cut the cord. Our baby was on the cot briefly, like the baby doctor had said, then I got skin to skin. I just don't think they needed to be there at all. I know people get skin to skin straight away in Albany in a caesarean.  I think it would be good if there was some type of routine practise regarding skin to skin at caesarean. Preferably, in my opinion, for mother's and baby's, that it occurs straight away if the baby is born healthy and well.