who is senior after senior MW in mat ward? cons?

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Hi

a daft question as I don't know but if I wanted to ask for someone else senior than a MW but not as high as a consultant to advise me during labour what other people are there who I could ask for?

Can you ask specifically for a consultant?

Has anyone had a senior health professional present at childbirth and found this helpful compared to a midwife on her own?

thanks

There is a Matron here but I don't think that fits what you are asking for.

You can be under a consultant and a MW and the Drs would generally see you when in labour (assuming hospital/Cons led environment)

What are you concerned about with a MW?

thanks,

i need to know who else to ask for as I had nearly graduated midwives at first pg and looking back should have asked for someone more senior as noone really explained the benefits or risks of epidural to me or how much I was dilated

this would have helped me make a decision as to how I was during labour

some people do not really worry about things like that but second time round I really want to make sure that I have enough support.

there is a consultatnt midwife, supervisor , clinical lead midwife.

you would really only want/need a consultant MW or obstetrician if there was a problem

a regular midwife is absolutely hte best HCP to be with you in labour if you are low risk and all is going well

if you are looking for more support you could look into t a doula for more emotional support , you cannot requst a consultant is there of your choosing , they wilkl be called if needed

you can ask as many questions as you like, i don't think how newly qualified a mw is should make a difference as to how well she answers or explains things

also, when ou are in labour, in pain, possibly distressed, it is not always the best time to make a rational decsion about your care plan

do plkenty of research before hand into the pros and cons of epidurals etc

I don't think how qualified the mw is makes a difference to how they speak to you, I think you need to make it clear on your birth plan that you want things explained to you. I had a very experienced mw at ds' birth who spoke over me to the doctor rather than to me and did VEs without asking or telling me, wouldn't let me get off my back etc. I was very upset about it but in hindsight I hadn't written a birth plan and things progressed so quickly they probably just didn't have time to ask about my preferences. Next time I'm going to make it very clear that I want to be in control, which is what I should have done before.

And make sure you learn about the possibilities so that if they mention, e.g. ventouse, you know what they're talking about and what your views are!