I WRITE in response to your feature on 'Birth stories in Fulford' about the maternity hospital (December 15). I felt I couldn't let it go because my treatment there 47 years ago has very bad memories for me.

On admission to the delivery ward I didn't really understand what was happening to me because in those days we were not told anything about childbirth.

I was very frightened.

The staff had no sympathy for me at all and just said "get on with it because we are very busy."

Consequently I ended up having 20 stitches. On being taken to the ward with my baby girl I was greeted by the sister who made it obvious I was a nuisance by her attitude, and just said: "These flowers have arrived for you" and threw them on my bed.

I asked if I could please have a vase and she said: "No, we don't have vases here."

From that time on she never gave me any help or support and if she saw any of the nurses helping me she would tell them to let me get on with it because they were too busy.

Those two weeks in Fulford will remain with me forever.

When I became pregnant with my second child two years later I begged my doctor to let me have a home delivery.

Because he was aware of my experience in Fulford, he agreed.

Having my son at home was completely different.

I had the loving care of the midwife, who had visited me regularly throughout my pregnancy and, although it was a difficult birth, I had so much faith and trust in her.

It was a wonderful experience.

Mrs J Falkingham,

White Rose Avenue,

New Earswick, York.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, December 18, 2003