“They placed the epidural and that's all I remember. I don't remember my baby's first cry. I don't remember her being born floppy and unresponsive. I woke up in recovery screaming for my baby. I was ignored. I was shushed. I was told I could see her in a few minutes which then became 6 hours. It was closer to 9 hours before I convinced them I was going to the NICU whether they were going to help me or not. That was when I was told I wasn't allowed to breastfeed her because the doctor said no. I didn't get to give her her first meal. I didn't get to give her her first bath. I spent my first 24 hours postpartum fighting hospital policy, which led to them calling CAS on me. Then I fought them too.”
“No doctors came to check on me while I was recovering after surgery, I was in lots of pain that did not feel normal. I told nurses but they ignored me. I asked for pain meds and 8 hours later they brought me Tylenol! They also discharged me at 8pm with out being checked over or seen! I went and stayed as long as I could with her in the NICU after being discharged and I even started to pump and bring her milk.”
"My experience in labour was fear and anxiety and shame as my nurse wouldn't even bring me a bed pan. I felt scared and helpless. I felt terrible for my partner and mother who had to watch me go through that.
That being said, the OB on day shift was amazing and made my C-section a collaborative and fear-free experience. Just goes to show that WHO is in your birthing sphere makes a huge difference."
