"Birth of my secondborn"

Firstly, I cannot sing the praises of midwife Shardalee and the Family Birth Centre highly enough. Shardalee was extremely diligent, supportive and caring throughout my pregnancy, which included some curveballs (e.g. chronic cervical pain and 26 weeks of pregnancy insomnia). I always knew we were in safe hands, and she enabled me to have the water birth I wanted, with contingencies for the cervical pain. To say she has gone above and beyond would actually be an understatement. She’s a star and we are so grateful to her.

Dr Marie, the obstetrician who initially reviewed my tear, was great and, when she discovered that it was a 3B tear, outlined my options. When I asked for one that would increase the likelihood of same-day discharge, she, Shardalee and the wider team fast-tracked my trip to theatre and ensured I received my preference of a general anaesthetic over an epidural. Once at theatre, anaesthetist Dr Sara, Dr Marie and all of the people in the operating room were extremely attentive to my Sensitive Care Plan. I felt very supported.

Suellen, the overnight midwife on the ward during my overnight stay, was again amazing. She was extremely helpful and caring. Once she knew I’d experienced enduring insomnia plus a sleepless daughter's birthday, she did everything she could to try and give me some rest. She's the reason I was able to get even 3 hours of dozing sleep that night, because she looked after my baby in the nursery. Legend. Many other amazing midwives, including Natalie, helped me to soothe my bub while I extracted colostrum to give her while resting a blistered nipple. I wish I remembered all of their names. Nevertheless, I am appreciative.

The physio, Ali, and lactation consultant, Sandra, who visited me were also very helpful and caring. Thank you to them.

While my experience was by and large extremely positive, I did have an unfortunate experience with one obstetrician in my post-care. Though I have put in a formal complaint about the individual, I wish to reiterate that the level of support, empowerment and care I received at KEMH has by and large been exemplary. I am very grateful to all of the staff who have been involved in ensuring the health and happiness of myself and my little one.