Kate*

* Name has been changed as the writer wishes to be kept anonymous.

** TRIGGER WARNING. THIS BLOG POST INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF TRAUMATIC AND DIFFICULT BIRTHING EXPERIENCES WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING **

When I went into labour I wasn’t able to change positions and I was very distressed. The midwife kept putting me on the monitor and would not let me get up when I was complaining of pain in my leg. She never explained anything to me she just ignored me. In my birth plan I stated that I wanted to be on all fours but it was disregard. She was telling me off and belittling me by telling me that I wasn’t pushing for long. She said if I have a c-section she would be disappointed in me because she wants me to have a vaginal delivery. When I asked for an epidural she had a look of disappoint on her face. 

I was told the forceps failed but was not explained why. I ended up having a C-section in the end. 

I was told to go back to hospital to take the staples out. The womb got infected and I was admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics.

When I was admitted to hospital no one was keeping up to date with my womb. One of the women who was looking after me left the IV drip dripping as she didn’t close it properly. It was very unsafe. I missed my morning dose of antibiotics as no one came to give it to me. The health professional looking after me wasn’t wearing PPE, no gloves or mask. She even said “sorry I forgot my gloves’ and didn’t even bother getting them.

I was discharged and told they were going to send me some antibiotics but I never received it. I called them to let them know but they told me to come in to the hospital and pick it up as I was able to walk but I was too ashamed as the infected area had an awful smell and I didn’t want to be out in public. In the end I went back to his hospital and that was when I was re admitted.

My scar was badly infected and had reopened. I had a massive deep hole in my belly. I gave birth over a month ago and I still don’t know why they gave me a T shaped cut which looks like a J shape cut.

This whole experience has really made me depressed. I can no longer go out on my own I have to rely on my mum for everything. Even to take my daughter to the park is an issue.