01/21/2026
When I was younger, I had a retail manager tell me something that I’ve never forgotten.
He said, “when people have a good experience they tell 2 people, when they have a bad experience they tell 10.”
I don’t know if there are statistics to prove this statement to be true, but when I think about reviews on anything from useable products to experiences-that does seem to be the case.
If I translate it to birth, it also seems to be true. Often I’ll meet with new families and offer reassurance that our hospital here in Lethbridge is a good place to have a baby and that they won’t be coerced into anything they don’t agree to.
I also know this isn’t the case for all people and every birth experience, sadly.
When it doesn’t go the way people hoped and they have specific concerns, I send them to the AHS Patient Feedback Form. I’ve sent it to many people, but this year I heard back from a client.
They were pleased to know that by sharing their concern, policy changes were made for folks who find themselves in the same situation. Coming out of surgery, with a baby in NICU and their partner with the baby. Now, folks may be able to have their doula with them in recovery-something I’ve confirmed with the Unit Manager.
I always tell folks that changes can’t be made if no one knows they need to change them. This form is a way of sharing your experience and concern and to possibly made positive change come from a less than positive experience.
It’s also important to share the good experiences you have and celebrate specific staff that may have helped you out along the way. The form isn’t only for the negative or one star reviews.
It’s just a reminder that should things go differently than you’d hoped-there is a way to tell someone who can make a change.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/about/page12832.aspx
Have you used the patient feedback form?
