Ipswich Hospital (Part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

First time mum, who's baby came just a couple of weeks early. I felt in such good hands whilst I was at Ipswich Hospital, the staff were caring and tentative and I had a very positive experience during my couple of days there

Despite the truest dedicated staff, It was traumatic being separated from my husband during the days leading up to the birth of our son and the days after. I wish I didn’t go through the induction process (3 times) without him. I believe this led to me having to have a c-section.

I was in Ipswich hospital for 6 1/2 weeks during lockdown last January. I was a very high risk pregnancy so had to stay in. The midwives, care assistants, cleaners, food people and everyone on Orwell ward were so kind, supportive and took time out of their day to chat with me to make sure I was okay I wasn’t allowed any visitors. XXXX is an amazing midwife and runs the ward exceptionally well.

I was so worried going in to hospital because of covid but they were just amazing . Made me feel at ease .

I understand that covid was a difficult time for everyone but I was left in the waiting room for over an hour having contractions very regularly (about every 4 minutes) and I went out several times and they would say someone would be with me soon. Once I gave birth, I was in the ward and I barely saw a midwife. I know everyone is super busy and everyone I did see was amazing . Also my water birth was amazing and I hope that with my next baby I will have one again - I worry thah there are not many baths available ! Overall, I understand that midwives are stretched so it’s not a fault of them, however they certainly need more hands there, especially for babies born in the evening as there apprared to be less members of staff around than in the day!

I had a very long labour which resulted in an assisted delivery. The midwives made me feel comfortable and I wasn’t scared at all because of how reassuring they were. Absolutely amazing! Everyone was so kind and supportive! Even the cleaners

Went in on Saturday with pre eclampsia which was picked up at 40+3 (Saturday) too short staffed to induce had to stay the night. Induced at 9 on a ward with 4 other ladies, was labouring pretty quick as I did with my first moaning and groaning away in pain with 3 other couples listening poor them! Finally went to a delivery room about 5 pm had waters broken after several painful attempts, midwife fell Ill and left (no midwife to be seen for an hour) new midwife came in who was much better and more in control, had a clip on baby’s head, baby delivered about 9pm heavy bleeding and was left for an hour, had several injections to try and stop eventually had a catheter fitted, other half had to leave at 11 while I was still heavily bleeding and in the delivery room. Tried to go for several showers but felt faint. Was taken to recovery ward in our own room, catheter was not changed all night and so full that when they removed it and I went to the toilet I passed a huge (and I mean huge) clot was about the size of my 9lb baby which I then had to sit on the toilet floor before hobbling back to my lonely room. Spoke to the student midwife who told me 5 minutes previous that if I passed a clot bigger than a 50p they wanted to know. This poor poor girl who I handed this huge blood clot to in a bed pan turned pail and rushed out the room to grab someone while I was barley standing. My baby had withdraw from medication and we were kept in for 6 days. My partner was allowed to visit for 2 hours a day and didn’t see his son awake for over a week! Was absolutely draining and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. My first birth was so lovely and really enjoyed the whole experience despite him being a huge 9lb 7 and this has just put me of EVER having anymore. I appreciate lockdown and restrictions but it’s just not fair. I suffered awful post natal depression the first time around and being so isolated this time just completely threw me back there

Delivery and labour ward amazing support. Emergency c-section first lockdown got left on my own no help after ended up discharging myself and my new born son 12hrs after section.

I was nearly to die after I spend a few days in hospital I was discharged and find out that my baby had a rare condition was born with anorectal malformation No one of the member of the staff that checked her didn’t checked her how they supposed to do it . I had the worst midwife ever , she forgot me for couple of hours after my water broke . I lost a lot of blood after I give birth in my opinion because the doctor started to pull the placent before giving me the injection I told him I did not had the injection to help with the placent , after the placent was delivered no one checked to see if it is a full one piece after a few hours they took me in the theatre .A lady said that is very rare what was happening to me and they will call me in a few weeks to discuss with me , that was never happening.

I had a fairly traumatic pregnancy which involved meeting with screening midwives and gestational diabetes team. At every stage I felt informed and supported. Tests were performed with haste and I was kept updated with all results. The staff on the Nova Suite, Deben Ward and Orwell Ward were wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for better care throughout my pregnancy and delivery.