On the twelfth day of Christmas

For Day 12 I've chosen - what else? - a story about giving birth.

Feeling supported, not judged

"I was 17 when I found I was pregnant! At that age I was young and didn't know what my next moves were.

I'm telling this little story because Tiverton hospital was a diamond with me, but yet it doesn't help if you don't communicate. That's all it takes. My labour was amazing. The hospital had everything I needed and they did the best to give me the best, less painful and active labour to get my baby out safe and for me to be safe!

I was rude to the staff at time while in labour (but who isn't these days?) and they understood! Helped afterwards. Gave me advice I needed and helped me when I was tired gave me strong advice on breastfeeding. Even helped my little one to latch on more than once too."

You can read this story on Patient Opinion

What this story means to me

This story really stood out to me because it shows how staff gave empathy and care and understanding to a vulnerable, perhaps challenging, 17 year old girl.

There can be a lot of stigma around being a young mother, but this young woman didn't feel judged, she felt helped and supported. And, looking back, she still remembers and values that. Women remember their maternity care for the rest of their lives.

Natalie

If you tweet this, please use hashtag #poChristmas. Thank you!