“With my first pregnancy, I was over 40 weeks pregnant. The consultant sat with me in the room and said that my baby could die the longer I stay pregnant. I felt pressured and scared because of the chance of a stillbirth but didn’t want to have an induction. At the time I felt scared so I gave in to the pressure and was induced. I had a traumatic labour where I requested an epidural because I was in a lot of pain. I did not have a midwife I felt safe with. The delivery ended up with forceps being used. I was too afraid to say anything but looking back I recognise I was worried that the staff would think I’m annoying, maybe because I’m Muslim and I wear a scarf.
With my following pregnancy I spoke with Raham Project and this gave me the confidence to speak up and let them know that I didn’t want the same midwife to care for me.
I don’t want to sound ungrateful or be ungrateful. After the baby was born, I feel like they wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible. I was encouraged to have a shower quickly and almost fell to the floor, and I still didn’t complain.” Anonymous 5
