Birth stories
Jade, Montrose, posted 03/08/08
On the 9th of July, I went into labour at 4 o’clock in the morning. I went into the Maternity at Montrose at about 08.30, as I just wanted checked and to make sure I definitely was in labour.
About an hour later, I went into the birthing pool, which was absolutely great for the pain. Both my mum and a student midwife were in the room with me, it was very relaxed and we even managed to have a laugh through my contractions. I was in labour quite a long time and had another two midwives look after me. I gave birth to baby Ethan at 10.30 at night. I had been in the pool throughout the entire labour, but ended up giving birth on the birthing stool.
I feel I had a very relaxed time thanks to the wonderful midwives at Montrose. I really couldn’t have hoped for a nicer birth or place to give birth. If I ever have another baby, I would definitely come back to Montrose for the wonderful experience.
Montrose, posted 01/05/08:
Before becoming pregnant, I had never known anyone who had given birth in Montrose, and didn’t really know much about the unit except that it had won awards and was highly praised by the local press. I just assumed that I would go to Ninewells, but I’m so glad I decided to have my baby in Montrose.
During the course of my pregnancy I met most of the midwifery team, which is a really positive aspect of the unit; it meant that when the time came, I knew I would be comfortable with whoever was present at my birth. I also found it reassuring to know that I could phone in at anytime for advice, particularly as this was my first pregnancy. Looking back now, I realise I asked some really silly questions, but was never made to feel like an inconvenience or that I was wasting anybody’s time.
The birth of my son went exactly as planned and was everything I wanted it to be – intimate and relaxed. Before meeting the midwives, one of my main worries about labour was being shouted at to push or not to push, but in Montrose I was encouraged to allow my body to dictate what happened. It was very calm in the room; the midwife spoke quietly and always asked before listening to my baby’s heartbeat, which was really the only thing that was monitored – I was left in peace, with no fussing, which I appreciated. I have heard a lot of women say that after giving birth you lose all dignity, but this is certainly not how I view my experience at Montrose.
My son is now nine weeks old and we are still benefiting from the excellent postnatal care at Montrose. I really wanted to breastfeed but struggled, and was on the verge of giving up twice. On both occasions people spent a great deal of time giving me one-to-one help and I now feel much more confident that I can continue. First time parenthood is such a steep learning curve and I really appreciate the fact that I can still ask the midwives for help and advice.
Having my son in Montrose has been such a positive experience, from pregnancy through to postnatal care. Although I have since moved away from Montrose, I will definitely return to have baby number two!
