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MAMA-KANGAROO 054
What year did you give birth? - 2007. In which town and hospital? - Narodni Front Hospital Did anything unpleasant happen to you in the hospital? What? Did anybody insult you? How? - No, everyone was very patient and kind. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the fact that I gave birth in a separate room and paid 15000 Dinars because my husband wanted to be by my side during childbirth. How were you addressed in the hospital? By your name and last name, or some nicknames? Which ones? - Doctors addressed me by name and last name, midwives by “Mother” Were there any problems with the accommodation or with the medical equipment? What sort of problems? - The night after delivery I was placed in the smallest room in Narodni Front Hospital, (with 2 beds) and with the biggest windows facing the sunny side. There were no blinds, and given the fact that I gave birth at the end of June, when the days were the hottest – I could hardly breathe from the heath. Even the doctor who was doing the rounds wouldn’t enter the room because of the heath. The toilet was terribly dirty; there was only one functioning shower stall. That morning I requested to be immediately transferred to a suite, and there it was a completely different story... When did you see your child for the first time after giving birth? How often did you see him/her? Could you see him/her whenever you wanted? - The next morning they brought to me my little bundle of joy :) I could opt between the baby friendly programme and regular. Still, I decided to be separated from the baby for the first 3 days, I was tired, worn out, I could hardly sit because of the episiotomy, and I felt I couldn’t take care of the baby. But I will be inseparable with the next baby from day one. When did you breastfeed your baby for the first time? Were there any problems with breastfeeding? What sort of problems? - The next day. They brought the babies in for breastfeeding every three hours (except at night). The midwife didn’t do a god job of showing us how to breastfeed. Did you ever happen to doubt the expertise of the doctors and other medical staff? When and why? - No Did you ever doubt whether some of the hospital protocols and rules were justified? Which ones? Why? How would you change them? - The only thing I didn’t like is that the epidural had to be paid for in advance. Did you have to bribe anyone? If yes, whom (you can state just his/her title, without a name)? What for? How much? - Yes, the anesthesiologist. 150 Euros, apart from the regular 10000 Dinars for the epidural. We agreed, before the childbirth, that he should be there for me in case I should need him; he gave me his mobile phone number. He didn’t quote a price, or mention paying at all, but I knew the figures went from 150 to 200 Euros. Do you have any other impressions or comments that you consider important? - I had a problematic pregnancy and had to take medications because of frequent contractions I’d had since the 6th month. I was terrified up to the 9th month, counting the days and hoping not to deliver before my due date. I gave birth on the 1st day of the 9th month, completely unexpectedly. I had contractions at 15-10-5 minutes. They weren’t painful, but I still decided to go for a check up. The doctor examined me and sent me straight to the hospital, I don’t know how dilated I was, I didn’t even remember to ask. I just remember he said it would be fast. I immediately called my husband and told him to come. In the meantime I was taken to the Maternity Ward, and had all necessary preparations done, CGT and ultra sound. I still wasn’t in pain even though CTG showed maximum intensity of contractions. It probably helped that I was calm and overjoyed to finally meet the little one. I had no negative thought whatsoever. I was placed on a table, the doctor came in to examine me and my water broke. He was kind, he was joking with me and heartening me up. The anesthesiologist did a marvelous job and kept checking on me to see how I was and to adjust the dosage on the anesthetic. The midwife was also very kind to me. She kept bringing wet gauze sponges because my mouth was dry, and even the cleaning lady didn’t complain when I vomited all over the floor – never mind it’s normal, happens to everybody, she said. My husband and I were alone most of the time, waiting. Suddenly I came to the pushing stage, called for the midwife and told her I couldn’t take it any longer. The doctor appeared there immediately – aha! That’s it! Push as hard as you can. One push, another one and the baby cried! My little darling was born! :) The midwife congratulated us and immediately placed him on my breasts. We were crying from joy. “The child is great, a 9/10”, the doctor said. When he finished stitching me up, the doctor and the midwife left us alone with the little one and we had entire 2 hours to cuddle and watch him. Afterwards, they took him away for a bath, and they took me to my room. - With the exclusion of the first night that I spent in a room at the Ward, I spent the other two nights in a suite. The personnel was very forthcoming, and always available, the bathroom and toilet were immaculately clean, new furniture, a phone, TV, air-conditioning device, good food. And what’s very important – visitation is allowed all day and there is no limit on visiting hours. - I have only the best memories of my childbirth. It did cost me a lot of money, but the treatment and the attention you get in that moment are priceless. It’s just so sad that you have to pay for it...
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STORIES FROM MATERNITY WARDS Mama-Kangaroo 002
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