When your birth isn't what you'd hoped for

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Although most women are satisfied with their experiences of childbirth, a common criticism is that they're not treated as individuals. Due to a nationwide shortage, many maternity units are extremely busy. This means that one midwife often has to look after two or three women and, inevitably, the personal touch is lost.

But if you're unhappy about any aspect of your care, the easiest way to make a complaint is to speak to a senior midwife or doctor while still in hospital. Don't feel intimidated. Staff are used to dealing with complaints and prefer to address your concerns quickly and effectively at the time.

Conflict can arise between couples and hospital staff when the parents have very rigid ideas about the delivery. But the exact path that labour takes isn't really in anyone's control (except, perhaps, if it's a planned Caesarean). Try to keep an open mind and a flexible approach to events as they unfold.

Dr Myles Taylor, obstetrician and GP.