"Birth at the hospital"

FTM, I had a caesarean and the birth itself was a good experience, lovely midwives, doctors and anesthesiologist. Most of the midwives in the ward were really helpful, encouraging and supportive, brought me what I needed and taught me how to express and use the pump.

One of the midwives only showed up at the beginning and end of their shift, said they had a lot of patients and was busy but I didn't even get my pain medication throughout their shift, i fell asleep so didn't get to buzz for it, and when I did buzz in the morning they didn't come.

Another midwife had, in my opinion, a really worrying attitude, hence my post so other mums won't be on the receiving end of this. When I asked for them to bring me something their response was go get it yourself, you'll have to do it yourself at home. I asked for help with expressing and they dumped the equipment and left. Anytime I expressed that I am in the hospital, am in a lot of pain sitting up and walking around even though I was doing those things, and just needed some support while there, they were like well I'm just being helpful because you'll have to do everything on your own when you get home so you can do it now. Absolutely disgusting attitude towards someone who had just had major surgery I feel. They were young and they had a child but I don't remember their name.

I was fortunate I had my partner and family to help during visiting hours and when I got home because I really felt helpless having to depend on someone who I felt threw it in my face that they're "helping" by not assisting a patient.

Aside from that experience the other midwives helped immensely and were very supportive with great advice, it is only thanks to them that I was able to heal well, get a balance of exercise and rest to recover and bond with my baby. I would birth at this hospital again but wish I knew the procedure to request a different midwife in case I get someone who I believe takes some sick pleasure in seeing a patient in pain and refusing to do anything to support and help them.