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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this Midwife out of line?

603 replies

SistineScreamer · 05/07/2020 17:41

Curious as to what others would think. My daughter just had her first DC yesterday. She had an elective section and is still in hospital. My daughter is young, she’s 24, Not married (and has no intention to) but been with her DP since they were 16. She’s had some MH issues, stemmed from ex husband of mine. This is all noted in her file and is a manageable, she’s had to come off her medication during the pregnancy because of risks to the baby but she was more than willing to do this. She’s in a private room and not on a ward. All this information is important as I assume this is why she was treated the way she was.

She rang me 30 minutes ago in tears. Telling me one of the midwives assigned to her has been horrible to her. We’ll call her Midwife A.

All this is what she says happened - First, DD had baby in a onsie and bib, midwife A came in and commented that the bib was too big for baby, took baby out of DD’s arms and removed the bib. Even if the bib was too big why completely undermine her like that? Next, DD brought wipes for her face, body etc they were baby brand water wipes as her skin is overly sensitive to anything else. Midwife proceeded to lecture DD that these were wrong and cotton buds must be used with water instead, proceeded to bin wipes then leave the room. Confused

Half an hour later Midwife A came back in to ask DD about her feeding choices. DD was sexually assaulted and does not feel comfortable breastfeeding, her choice. Midwife proceeded to give her the breast is best talk, asking why she wouldn’t consider breastfeeding, basically making her feel like shit for picking formula. DD mentioned she’d purchased a perfect prep machine for the formula (you know the ones that give the perfect shot of hot water at night so you don’t have to faff about with the kettle?) this woman nodded, left the room and came back 15 minutes later with a print out of the perfect prep machine....asking DD to confirm if this was what she was talking about. Nodding and tutting. What the fuck? Even if she wanted to know what DD was talking about, why print it out and bring it to her? Why not look it up herself? Hmm

Next issue came with the drip that was in DD’s hand, it was ripping the skin, physically pulling up the skin. She asked Midwife A if she could take it out or change it, to be told no nothing could be done. She’d just have to suck it up. An hour after she was told this another midwife came in, Midwife B, she begged midwife B to take it out and showed her what it was doing to her hand. Midwife B promptly took it out stating that there was no problem. Midwife A came back for her checks, asked DD what happened to the drop. DD explained that midwife B took it out, midwife A mumbled something about how that couldn’t be right and she’d have to check that ‘story’ right away. Hmm

DD is still vulnerable after birth, can’t move yet because of the catheter and has to be changed by this woman who she feels uncomfortable with and intimidated by. This woman has to handle her naked, change her sheets and I feel from what she’s saying it’s making her MH worse. She says she feels like Midwife A is talking about her with the other midwife (not B) on duty who she seems friendly with, shared looks, little smirks, off comments.

The looks and such could be DD’s dislike for this midwife raring up. But the rest, is this normal! I feel like she’s over stepped the mark and made my child feel low because of her age and choices. Should we ignore this?

OP posts:
Auridon4life · 05/07/2020 18:36

This is why I don't want another child. My midwife's weren't even that bad and still they made me very sad. One pointed looked at me during antenatal class and talked about not putting weight on during child birth. They then passed around a epidural needle. I have no idea why. You don't get to see it. I told everyone I had Asperger's syndrome and they didn't help at all. I got about four hrs sleep a night and could barely recognise my own daughter I was soo tired. They seem to have massive chips on their shoulders and delight in making you miserable.

Natasha9511 · 05/07/2020 18:36

OP this makes me so sad 😭 your daughter and I are very similar except I’m a wee bit younger and not due my baby for a few weeks. My midwife has been nice but dreading the hospital in case something like this happens! I really hope you get it sorted and DD can enjoy her wee baby 👶

SistineScreamer · 05/07/2020 18:36

All, they were newborn bibs. Not sure what there is to shudder about? HmmThey were used when feeding and burping. Not constantly on the baby.

OP posts:
Misslees · 05/07/2020 18:37

I don't understand those defending the midwife. Who does she think she is - for example - binning the wipes?! Totally overstepping the mark. As for her tutting about the prep machine...that's her personal opinion and not NHS advice. And why didn't she take the drip out? I have come across nurses and midwives like this (not all but a fair number!) She is clearly not treating your daughter as an adult. Taking the baby out she arms and removing the bib? She could have suggested that the bib was too big and advised removing it... Obviously this woman is abusing the 'power' she feels she has over your daughter. Hopefully your daughter won't be in for long but she could ask for a different midwife to be assigned.

Herefortipsx · 05/07/2020 18:38

Hi. It's tricky! The bib should technically only be on when feeding with a newborn and then taken off. But there's absolutely no reason she couldn't have smiled and said if she has finished feeding it's best to remove the bib so she isn't at risk of suffocating etc.

The wipes thing reminded me of when I had my first. Nobody told me where the cottonwool was. Nobody told me they had disposable bowls for water. So my daughter needed a fresh nappy and I got my wipes out. The midwife said what was you planning on using to clean her up. I said wipes. She smirked at me and then opened a cupboard next to the bed. It had bowls in but no cotton wool. so she went to fetch some. I did secretly think in my head no need to give me the silly girl attitude as I didn't know it was there.

With milk. I simply didn't want to feed. Hate the idea of feeding that way. My mother made me feel uncomfortable about it from the start. Midwife made me feel slightly ashamed. But stuff them. Plenty of babies are formula fed. We know Breast is best. But it takes more than breastfeeding to be a good mum. Bottle fed babies still thrive! Long term health is what counts. Tell your daughter from me that it's just how they react to bottle feeding. It's not worth being upset. Once she's home she can do it her way.

The prep machines can sometimes get mouldy pipes. I've heard good and bad stuff. I used to make my DD bottle up about 45 minutes before she got hungry and left it to cool on the side. Then it was perfect when she was ready for it. Its not an issue though to use the machines. Perhaps she could wait for a few weeks to use it. But I am not an expert at all on those. I used a flask too.

As for the canula she seems really grumpy and rude. No need! Tell her to put a complaint on the NHS website when she's out. I did the same. A rude receptionisti reported. She whacked mg newborns cot with the door and say blimey and walked out again. No apology. No smile. Then I asked for some milk out of ten cupboard that says staff only. She grumpily told me to just go in myself.

Hope your daughter's ok. Sadly some people are not helpful! I was lucky to have nice ones. I remember one sitting with me on the bed at 2am gently talking to me about changing a first poo nappy and offering to take the baby so I could sleep. Hopefully someone kinder will be along soon. Bless her. There's no place like home xx

sunflowersandtulips50 · 05/07/2020 18:38

I have had some shocking experiences with midwifes, interestingly i am senior in the NHS as is my DH. So we didnt tolerate shitty staff. I had one that was openly rude and I told her off, spoke to the nurse in charge and explained that her attitude was appauling and given we are dealing with woman at there most vulnerable you would expect staff to be supportive. Speak to PALs in the hospital and complain. She had zero right to throw any items out of your DDs btw

isadoradancing123 · 05/07/2020 18:38

This is totally unacceptable and i would most certainly complain

dobbyssoc · 05/07/2020 18:39

What a horrible situation!
I too didn't breastfeed and one midwife in particular was very harsh in her response pressuring me to give her 3 good reasons that I wouldn't do it.

I would also however proceed with a little caution. Emotions will be high for your DD right now and something's may have been taken out of context. Whilst this is no excuse to feel 'picked' on there may be a more rational reason as to why the midwife picked up the baby. You say that DD can't really move about yet, the midwife therefore could've picked up baby as it is easier for her to remove rather than your daughter struggling etc.

I hope that makes some sense but if in any doubt could your daughter ask to speak to the head midwife on duty/another midwife to explain how she feels

AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken · 05/07/2020 18:40

@SistineScreamer

All, they were newborn bibs. Not sure what there is to shudder about? HmmThey were used when feeding and burping. Not constantly on the baby.
Because it’s loose cloth around a baby’s neck that could cause strangulation or suffocation. Just because something is sold, or even used by other people doesn’t mean it’s safe. In a previous post you admitted to it being a risk yourself.
Beebeet · 05/07/2020 18:42

Because it’s loose cloth around a baby’s neck that could cause strangulation or suffocation. Just because something is sold, or even used by other people doesn’t mean it’s safe. In a previous post you admitted to it being a risk yourself.

So why couldn't the midwife explain that rather than take the child from the mother and take it off?

SistineScreamer · 05/07/2020 18:43

All, I said if the bib was too big fine, why not tell her? The issue is it was only on when my DD was feeding and burping the baby. She was in the midst of doing this when midwife took baby out of her arms and took the bib off. Thought that would be obvious? She wasn't letting a newborn lay around randomly with a bib. HmmMy issue is snatching the baby from DD.

OP posts:
Someone1987 · 05/07/2020 18:44

That is disgusting treatment, I feel anger on behalf of you and your daughter, after being treated awfully during my birth and afterwards. You honestly think they take a instant dislike to you for no reason (perhaps if they see you as young, they are worse, I look younger than I am and I wonder if this played a part). My husband and I could tell they had spoken about us, from the hostility of the next midwife. Just truly awful. Breastfeeding, oh don't get me started on that. Your daughter has been through a trauma and doesn't want to, why is that questioned? Absolutely disgusting. I had the same treatment when I struggled to bf due to tongue tie and he wouldn't latch. My MH was slipping badly in there and they didn't care.
You should contact PALS and tell them all this.
Best wishes to your daughter and her baby.

Areyouactuallyseriousrightnow · 05/07/2020 18:44

Sounds like her manner was brusque and lacking empathy, but other than that I don't really think she did anything wrong.
Please don’t you or your daughter take her manner personally, midwives in this country are extremely short staffed, and typically dealing singlehandedly with high pressure potentially life or death situations, and I’m sure this is sometimes unfortunately reflected in a less compassionate manner than we would like or expect.
Focus on the fact that your grandchild was delivered safely, your daughter is well, and don’t take any notice of the grumpy unsympathetic midwife, because it’s not important now, congratulations!

viccytwiffy · 05/07/2020 18:45

unpleasant experience but it will inspire your daughter to be more in control for the rest of her life....

OrchidJewel · 05/07/2020 18:45

Complain asap, what a bitch. She's not that busy if she can come back with a print out of the machine. Not normal behaviour at all to treat the poor girl.like this.

I was told I was a 'silly girl' when the midwife tried to drag me physically out of the bed after my section. I had (undiagnosed at the time) an epidural headache and had begged her to leave me alone as I felt so utterly dreadful. It's definitely why I got PND

OhTheRoses · 05/07/2020 18:47

She has been rude and overbearing to a vulnerable young woman. It doesn't matter how busy she is there is no excuse. Please be your daughter's advocate.

The reason post natal care is so poor is because we are groomed to be grateful because it is free. It is a valid choice to chose to give formula whether the midwife agrees or not and she should know better and be both courteous and kind.

SistineScreamer · 05/07/2020 18:47

My issue is I think she's being targeted because of her age and MH, which would explain the jibs and questioning of her choices. Some of these could be avoided if they took a bit more time with her or LOOKED at her fucking chart.

This annoys me. They would have seen the history with ex H. How it resulted in DD's conditions.

THE WIPES - weren't for the the baby. Yet she still threw them out. This is my issue.

THE BIB - was only on when burping/feeding yet she took baby out of DD's arms?? How is that allowed?

THE BFING - whole other issue. She's been a victim of assault. She's not comfortable BFing. But it's still being rammed down her throat.

OP posts:
Ilovethemapples · 05/07/2020 18:47

I don't think the midwife has done anything wrong. She is giving advice and just trying to help and do her job. Of course your daughter's choices for her baby are only to be made by her but it doesn't mean that they are ones a health professional would necessarily recommend.

lurkingattheback · 05/07/2020 18:48

Personally, I think you need to empower your daughter to complain for herself. She is the mum, she's not a child. It may be awkward and unpleasant but it's better than continuing on. She will sadly face these challenges as a Mum. Generally, when there's a member of staff like this, everyone else knows it, they just allow it. Someone needs to stand up to the bully. The hospital will have a PALs service, it's always a good place to start. The midwife probably hasn't read your daughters notes, doesn't know her background and is grumpy to everyone like this. Good Luck but empower your daughter to make this a more positive experience.

Someone1987 · 05/07/2020 18:49

If anyone thinks, it's ok you have your baby now, forget it, you can't. You remmeber your child being born FOREVER. If the memories are horrible, then it can negatively affect your MH. It caused mine to decline rapidly.
Also, I have that machine and it's fine.
I know the wipes were for her, but as soon as I got home I used wipes. There needs to be less judgement on mums.
She is the parent - she should be treated kindly and with respect.

SistineScreamer · 05/07/2020 18:49

I love, how is snatching a baby out of its mother's arms normal? How is throwing away her property normal? How is lecturing an abuse victim about BFing normal? She begged the bloody woman to STOP because she knew the benefits of BFing but couldn't do it.

OP posts:
Heyhih3 · 05/07/2020 18:50

I would call on your daughters behalf and explain if your daughter feels she can’t. Your daughter can refuse the midwife and she can have somebody else. The BF issue Hmm I had this at my house and to be honest midwifes do need to mind their own business unless the mother wants to BF of course.

Make a complaint. Ask to speak to the Sister in charge of the ward!

Heyhih3 · 05/07/2020 18:52

@Areyouactuallyseriousrightnow

Sounds like her manner was brusque and lacking empathy, but other than that I don't really think she did anything wrong. Please don’t you or your daughter take her manner personally, midwives in this country are extremely short staffed, and typically dealing singlehandedly with high pressure potentially life or death situations, and I’m sure this is sometimes unfortunately reflected in a less compassionate manner than we would like or expect. Focus on the fact that your grandchild was delivered safely, your daughter is well, and don’t take any notice of the grumpy unsympathetic midwife, because it’s not important now, congratulations!
People cannot abuse their position. It’s unprofessional. I agree with the other poster about how she came back to check! Disgusting. Considering OPs daughters notes she should of been more professional..
Beebeet · 05/07/2020 18:52

midwives in this country are extremely short staffed, and typically dealing singlehandedly with high pressure potentially life or death situations, and I’m sure this is sometimes unfortunately reflected in a less compassionate manner than we would like or expect.

And we should not just accept it. None of those actions took any less time than treating her with some respect.

billy1966 · 05/07/2020 18:53

Awful behaviour and yes you should be insisting that MW stays the hell away from your daughter.

She had absolutely no right to bin toiletries belonging to your daughter. Who the fxxk does she think she is?

She sounds like a class a bitch and yes, not all nurses are nice.

I came across one when in with my first, fortunately she wasn't looking after me but I could hear her tone and it was both patronising and offensive.

I told the night matron that I could hear her and she was a just awful to be speaking to a young new mum like that.

Being an older woman I wouldn't have taken it for a second.

I would go in and raise merry hell.

Ask for her full name and tell them you are making a formal written complaint.

Your poor daughter.Flowers

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