"Amazing care for the birth of my first baby"

I know the NHS gets a bad rap the majority of the time, but I have to write this feedback to highlight the amazing care I had for the birth of my first baby at RCHT.

I was 5 days overdue, and the birth did not go in the direction we had hoped. A stubborn cervix resulted in a 36-hour labour with various interventions, including gas and air, pethidine, epidural, oxytocin drip, and finally an unplanned cesarean. I did not picture my birth going in this direction; however, I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

There are numerous staff I have to mention who made the experience calming and positive, in spite of the challenges presented.

Issy was the first Senior Midwife who triaged us on arrival, following regular contractions and concern over irregular discharge. Issy was friendly, professional, and thorough in her assessment. She quickly diagnosed that there was meconium present and set an action plan for the next few hours.

Issy kindly allocated us to Midwife Isy and Trainee Midwife Tori, who were our allocated midwives for the duration of their night shift. I greatly appreciated the consistent one-to-one care provided, as standard. These two women were absolutely fantastic; their energy and the vibe they brought to the Delivery Suite was just exceptional. They put me and my husband at ease immediately, despite the slow progress and concern of meconium.

We made ourselves at home with fairy lights, our music, drinks, and snacks. What made it even more brilliant was that the labour was going on for so long, I got them both for two night shifts in a row! Exactly what I needed to get me over the finish line - some friendly faces and consistent care.

I can't believe these two women are in their early twenties and possess so much knowledge, professionalism, empathy, and enthusiasm - thank you so much!

During the day shift, I had Midwife Sarah. Sarah was kind and friendly in nature, with her Northern warmth. Sarah was consistently reassuring, despite the minimal progress I was making and the baby being in a poor position. She was innovative and patient in trying to manoeuvre and manipulate the baby into an optimal position.

Sarah was thorough in explaining the biology and mechanics of the process, and our options moving forward if things weren't to speed up.

It was during this day shift with Sarah that I opted for an epidural, to attempt some respite from pain and then go on the oxytocin drip, in hope it would up the contractions and speed up dilation.

Anaesthetist Sally completed the epidural for me. I am the opposite of a hypochondriac; I avoid medical interventions wherever possible, yet Sally put me at complete ease and made it seem like the most effortless epidural! One of the best choices that I could have made in this labour process. Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedure and for making it smooth and pain free.

With minimal progress and fast approaching the 30-hour mark, discussion of a C-section was brought up. I was really apprehensive to have a cesarean. I'm a very fit, active individual and I've never had any surgery in my life, so found the situation very intimidating.

However, the maternal instinct kicked in and all that mattered was that I needed to deliver my baby in the safest way possible at this point. The oxytocin drip was turned up, yet it still wasn't providing the results we were hoping for. So we opted for a C-section, for the safety of my baby and myself.

The whole theatre team were fantastic, but in particular my Anaesthetist, Abe, was absolutely awesome! Abe was fun, friendly, exceptionally sharp and methodical in his approach to my care. I was very nervous for this surgery, yet he had endless patience to repeat himself and the process that was about to happen. He made myself and my husband feel heard and included throughout the whole procedure.

Unfortunately, some unpredictable blood loss and a nasty infection occurred during surgery but this was not a problem for Abe and lead surgeon Hassan. They were all over the situation; myself and my baby were put straight onto antibiotics, and they managed my blood loss with a cool recycle process!

Thank you so much for making something so scary initially into the most amazing day of my life. The cherry on the cake being that Isy and Torie made it into Theatre with us and took so many photos and videos of our baby boy being born.

After this long labour, it resulted in a 5-day stay in hospital for Baby Alfie and myself. The postnatal ward was exceptionally busy and rather crammed with regards to space. However, that is no reflection on the staff and level of care provided on Wheal Fortune, the postnatal ward at Treliske.

The array of staff available for help and support was just outstanding! There were Midwives, Maternity Support Workers, Nursery Nurses, Transition Care Midwives, and Breastfeeding Support staff. At the press of a button, a member of staff would be there within minutes.

I found it hard being stuck on a ward with limited mobility and feeling under the weather, but the level of friendly professional care made it so much easier.

To name a few key members who made our stay easier - Sapphire, Nina, Maddie, and Jess - thank you so much.

I can't recommend Treliske enough when it comes to having a baby. We have felt completely supported and cared for throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Both my husband and I get emotional when we tell our birth story, and the majority of that is due to the amazing care of the staff mentioned above. I'll remember all of you for a very long time.

Thank you so much, we will be forever grateful.