Share review of Diana Princess of Wales Hospital

Diana Princess of Wales Hospital 2023-11-08 Person 4 5 0

First of all, We had a slight tiff with the night staff as I was going to be induced the next day and because I wasn’t in active labour yet and visiting hours were over, they tried to make my partner go home which meant that I’d be in the hospital room on my own all night. I was already having mild contractions at this point from early labour and didn’t get any sleep the night before so as you can image, this sent me into a major panic and I told the staff that I would be discharging myself after having a panic attack. After the discharge papers were signed, the midwife asked me if I wanted her to check my dilation so I agreed. I was 3cm and she asked if I wanted another membrane sweep as I was very favourable so I agreed. She then said that both me and my partner could stay the night so we did. This was about 2am. At 5-6am they checked my dilation again and I was 8cm. That’s when they decided to give me the epidural as they knew I wanted one. They provided me with gas and air while I waited for this. Epidural was painless as they numbed my back before injecting. They then did change over with the day staff and one midwife stayed with us from that moment right up until I gave birth, she was the only one in the room when I was pushing. She was absolutely lovely and so reassuring. When I felt like giving up and was telling her that I couldn’t do it, she was so sweet and told me that baby was nearly out. Finally, baby had arrived and the delivery midwife made me feel so good about myself, telling me how much of a great job I did. Everyone goes on about how hospital food isn’t the nicest but I was actually really impressed with it, and the amount you get as well

I feel that birth partners should be allowed to stay the night when not in active labour/waiting to be induced. They’re not just there to watch the birth but for emotional support as well