Is anyone else pregnant in Lewisham and having difficulty contacting Lewisham midwives?

[brockleyD]

Hi,

I have been trying to arrange my first appointment with Lewisham Midwives for 2 weeks now and have missed a few calls because I teach and then when ever I try to call back its either the answer phone or they say they will get a midwife to call me back or even worse ask for my full details again! (I have been asked 3 times). I don't understand why they don't have a receptionist who can book an appointment? Did anybody else experience this? It worries me that they are this hard to get through to at this stage already.

Thanks, D

They are really understaffed - I just had a baby and both midwives and health visitors are struggling with a huge workload. At least they're calling you back. It's a case of just keep trying, I suppose - once you're in the system the follow-up is pretty good I think.

Hi Barba,

Thank you for your message. Would you recommend I go ahead with Lewisham then? A lot of friends have advised me against going with them but I would like to aim to have a home birth and therefore would need to go with Lewisham. What do you think?

Thanks,
D

Hi - I'm not sure what the alternative would be? Most of the midwives I've met have been fab. I received all my midwifery care at King's College Hospital in Camberwell, which is a great option if you live in Lewisham and want a hospital birth. But if you want a home birth they probably won't be able to see you. So not sure what to suggest really - maybe give your GP a call or visit and ask for their advice if you continue having no luck contacting the midwives.