Can I access my maternity notes?

[Rose138]

Hello all,

I had a very traumatic birth with my first son last year and amongst other complications, I had a major PPH and needed a blood transfusion. The consultant did talk to me after this but I was really not with it so can't remember what she said and my husband wasn't in the room at the time. I was told about birth afterthoughts when we left the hospital after being in a week, which is where you meet with a midwife to discuss any questions about your labour and birth. This has been cancelled twice now so I have given up! Plus I don't want to go too much in to it all as I would find it very difficult to re-live it all. Especially as my son and I are thankfully well recovered now.

But my PPH is something that I dream about and worry about occasionally. Does anyone know the reasons for a PPH? And am I able to access my notes or find out from my doctor/previous midwife the reason for my PPH?

Thank you! Xxx

[MatildaTheCat]

Hello,msorry you had such an awful time and I'm glad you are recovered. I was a midwife for a long time and these events are indeed traumatic.

The short answer is yes, you have to write in and formally request a copy of your notes. This will takes some time and a fee is charged, though not very much.

However, I strongly suggest that you pursue the debriefing session with the midwife. It's a shame it has been cancelled, perhaps write and complain about this and get a date secured. Reading the notes may not really answer your questions. There are many reasons for PPP, often having no particular association with poor care. More importantly is prompt and correct treatment. There may also be a counselling service available at the hospital. If not it may be worth discussing with your GP if you are having intrusive thoughts and dreams.

It does sound as if you need to understand what happened to you even though you understandably don't want to actually relive the experience.

I hope you get the answers you need.

[Christelle2207]

Hello. I had a similar experience, bad pph and now pg with no2 so terrified. I had a debrief session with a supervisor of midwives and it was great- went through my notes in detail. We ended up talking about elective csection for this one (at my insistance) though I have since decided against. Do pursue your debrief session first, in my case it was very worthwhile.

[Christelle2207]

Oh and be prepared to be told there was no specific reason for a pph- I was told there is a reasonable chance of it happening again so being encouraged (gently) to labour in delivery suite this time, last time was in mw led unit but transferred just before delivery which was horridly stressful.

[Rose138]

Thank you both so much!

I am waiting to hear back about another appointment but as time is passing I don't know if it will be too beneficial. I am so lucky that my husband was able to answer many questions I had and also the midwives while we were in for a week. Strangely at the time I wasn't too concerned about the PPH, so seeing my doctor about my dreams is a good idea Matildathecat, thank you.

I think really reflecting on it, I am more concerned about my next pregnancy. I don't want the thoughts of my PPH to stop me from having another child. I wish you really well Christelle, I'm sorry to hear you're worrying. I think it's an experience that is hard to forget isn't it.

But aren't our bundle of joys just so so worth it! ?? xxx

[Gunpowder]

This Birthrights factsheet is quite helpful on how to access your records. They have to provide them within 40 days, however the NHS try to provide them within 21 days.

I've just applied for mine, I copied and pasted a sample letter linked to in the fact sheet linked above, and was able to email rather than write.
Hope it goes more smoothly for you next time.

[Gunpowder]

*They meaning your hospital/whoever holds your records rather than Birthrights.