"I was told that a planned C-section wasn’t available"

A mother's experience of Oxford University Hospitals Maternity Services in 2018:

My Birth Trauma Story

In June 2018, I found out I was pregnant. I have a lifelong heart condition: one of my heart valves is narrower than normal. Decades ago, I was advised by cardiologists in Sri Lanka that a normal vaginal birth could put dangerous pressure on my heart — and that a planned C-section would be the safest option. I followed medical advice and informed my midwife early in pregnancy.

She was wonderful and passed the information to the hospital team. At seven months, I had an echocardiogram that confirmed the valve issue — but UK cardiologists said it was “fine,” disregarding my pre-existing diagnosis and international medical history.

From that point on, I was under the care of Consultant Midwife [midwife’s name] and a team of cardiologists. I repeatedly raised my concerns and fears. I was told that a planned C-section wasn’t available because “the Trust doesn’t have the money.” I broke down in almost every meeting. I was terrified. I even made a will, convinced I might not survive the birth.

A week before my due date, [midwife’s name]  casually mentioned I could have a planned C-section — at another hospital — but it was too late to apply.

When labour began, I was admitted — and left in pain for four days with no progress. I was not dilating, but no one acted. Only when my partner shouted at staff saying, “You wouldn’t keep a pet in pain like this,” did a slot suddenly appear.

Induction began. I was given an epidural. My blood pressure crashed. My baby’s heart rate dropped. I began hemorrhaging. Suddenly, I was in a theatre filled with doctors trying to save me. I was rushed into an emergency C-section.

I vaguely remember seeing my baby before being put to sleep. I woke up ten hours later in a different ward. The trauma wasn’t over — the aftercare was appalling.

I learned we both had caught infections during the birth. We were given antibiotics that dried up my milk. I never got to feed my baby. When I was moved to a new ward, my notes were “lost” and a new file was opened. Pain relief was delayed for hours. Nurses blamed the shift change. I was left with a full catheter bag and shouted at for requesting help.

Other mums were crying in pain too — and being ignored.

The constipation I experienced from the medication was severe, but no one explained why or helped.We stayed in hospital for five days. My baby was under phototherapy lights. I was broken, physically and emotionally.

This experience has traumatised me so deeply that I can’t even think of having another baby.