Sleep was not great. Two babies on the ward and they just seem to be left crying rather than picked up, fed or cuddled. Not really sure why. But meant I was awake a lot. Got out of bed at 6am and went downstairs to see little one. But my wound started to bleed so had to abort and go back upstairs just to try and clean it up/check with the midwives.
Decided to have a shower to try and clean it, then the midwives can come and check the wound and redress it if necessary.
They came and had a look but weren’t too sure so went to get a second opinion. I decided I might as well try and get make up and hair done just in case I can go to the wedding. Managed to get it all done before the midwives had even come round to sort.
Then ran downstairs to try and see the bubby and give him a feed (now an hour later than needed!) My husband arrived whilst I was getting him out. He was crying so I put him on to feed and he had a huge but quick feed. Went on each side for about 5 mins each but was constant and completely comatosed by the end of it. So definitely got some milk out! Given how much I pumped earlier Im confident he had at least 30mls!
The drs been in and told me it is all ok to go! Amazing! I have 20 mins to get changed and on the train. Time to run!!!!
Im on the train 😀
Causing all sorts of carmage though. The dr has said it is fine, go and enjoy myself. The midwives are telling her I need to be discharged and then readmitted. Have been told to leave it with them., but to go and enjoy myself and it will be fine.
Just pulled into the carpark for the wedding and was rung by the midwives. They have said that I am bedblocking and not obviously fit and well so they are discharging me. I asked them to wait until I got back as I will literally be just over 2 hours. I then said that I was supposed to be moved into accommodation if i was being discharged before him, but they couldn’t seem to grasp this. They needed the bed and had an excuse to discharge me (despite being told it was ok to go) it’s also not their issue that I was supposed to be given accommodation if baby was in but I was ready to be discharged.
My doctor is very apologetic, but it’s not her fault. The level of care on this ward just seems to be non existent. I spoke to their midwives yesterday and they said it would be a good thing for me to go, they are now back tracking. If i had known this was going to happen I wouldn’t have come. I was only going because I was told it was going to be fine. Now I’m going to be sent home with nowhere to stay in London and my little boy is still in NICU without me. Gutted doesn’t even cut it. I have cried a lot. Everyone keeps asking how I am and I just want to cry.
Midwives are actually causing stress and upset which is making me medically unfit for discharge. If they had told me I would be discharged I either wouldn’t have left or I would have organised so I didn’t feel like I was being thrown into a situation that was not my choice. I’ve literally sat on a train, sat in a car for 2 mins and sat in a church. I’ve done more exercise and walking around sat in UCLH than I have done today. Absolute bloody nightmare. So annoyed.
Plan of action is to go feed our baby now (get in at 5pm) then we can get some food ourselves and then head back to the wedding when we want to/if we want to.
In essence midwives on their own agenda are ridiculous. The whole time I’ve been on the ward its been me chasing pain relief, things they have told us they were doing. As soon as they want something they cant wait for 2 hours. Yet if I want my meds or catheter taken out or dressing looked at I have to wait well over that and call them 4 times just to get it.
Our baby isn’t being discharged yet either. He is on a jaundice lamp after his markers went up a little last night, he is still on antibiotics and will be for at least 5 days. But I managed to breastfeed and pump for him this morning so we are making positive steps. Just wanting to know about the Spina Bifida post operation checks now. Are his vents ok, kidneys and bladder doing what they should and back closure all ok? So much going on feeling like I’m in a complete bubble of emotion and just need to sleep, but now to split my time between home and baby! Happy days!!!
On the plus side I got to see my brother get married. It was absolutely lovely and the venue was beautiful! Perfect day for the lovely couple.
Spina Bifida Baby 