Natalie, a 37-year-old factory worker from Solihull, had a rather different postpartum experience than the blissful norm: after a caesarean at Birmingham's Good Hope Hospital on 11 January 2023, she ended up needing emergency surgery for a perforated bowel. Because nothing says 'welcome to motherhood' like a life-threatening medical mishap.

Despite suffering severe abdominal pain, swelling, and vomiting that included faecal matter, Natalie's concerns were apparently downplayed. On 14 January, doctors misinterpreted her CT scan as showing temporary bowel slowdown post-surgery - a classic case of 'it's probably nothing' that turned out to be very much something. By 18 January, she was in emergency surgery, having part of her bowel removed and a stoma fitted, after developing sepsis. The Trust has since admitted a breach of duty and that the scan was incorrectly reported, which informed decisions about her care.

'I knew something wasn't right after Brooke was born, but it felt like my concerns weren't being taken seriously,' Natalie said. 'Being told I needed emergency surgery is something I'll never forget. I was frightened I might die.' She's not alone in her ordeal; the Trust's spokesperson offered the usual platitude about being 'committed to providing safe, high-quality care' and 'learning from when things do not go as expected.' Because clearly, learning from 'things' is working out great.

Natalie's life has been 'hugely' impacted: she struggles with pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and caring for her children, Brooke and 15-year-old Callum. She's now campaigning for better post-childbirth care and for women's concerns to be taken seriously. Jade Elliott-Archer of Irwin Mitchell, the law firm representing her, noted 'concerning failings' in how Natalie's condition was recognized and responded to.

Natalie has had further surgeries, including stoma reversal and treatment for a hernia and wound issues. 'If my experience helps improve care for even one mum, then it will have been worth it,' she said. Let's hope the Trust doesn't need another 'learning opportunity' to make that happen.