Are my expectations regarding care realistic?

[Shellywelly1973]

I posted earlier this week about the hospital, where i am booked into, policy on induction & monitoring of mothers aged 40+ as im really unhappy withvthe prospect of monitoring 2/3 a week from 37 weeks or induction.

I have an under active thyroid. I chased my midwife for the results of my last blood tests 2 weeks ago as I have started to feel unwell. My thyroid levels are lower then the consultant would like them to be at start of the third trimester.

The mw called me at 7 pm yest due to the results. She said I needed to attend the Maternity Day Unit asap. I am incredibly busy with dc & work at the moment. I was representing in a tribunal this morning but made arrangements to get to myself to the hospital even though it meant getting up at 5.30 am!

Rushed to the hospital first thing this morning. Mw in the MDU was fine, friendly but very blasé. She spoke to an endocrinologist who said I didn't need an increase in medication. My symptoms are due to pregnancy & to repeat blood tests in 2 weeks. The mw checked my bp. Asked me baby was moving as normal. No other care offered.

I just checked my notes & she' s written thst I refused monitoring!

I wasn't offered monitoring! Infact I was really pissed off that I rushed to get to the hospital today & they did nothing apart from check my bp. The community mw could have done all that over the phone instead of me chasing around like an idiot. Have you tried changing into a suit in a car at 7 months pregnant? !

I asked my consultant for a referral to physio when I was 19 weeks for PGP. I asked my mw 2 weeks ago to chase it up. No referral was made. Very unlikely I will get seen now as im 30 weeks. She also totally mislead me aboutvuding MLU.

My mw gave me incorrect information regarding managing bleeding after birth.

Im so frustrated some of the hcps im dealing with appear incompetent, others OTT. I've no confidence in any of them!

With my last 2 dc I had great care. The mw's & staff at the birth centre were amazing. Its horrible this time. I don't feel I can discuss my concerns with the hcps. I feel they just tick boxes & keep their backs covered regardless of my concerns or wishes. If I didn't have an under active thyroid I wouldn't attend any more appointments.

How do I manage the stress I now feel towards the hcps im forced to deal with?

Sorry its not clear but the consultant gave me misleading information regarding being able to usevthe MLU. I don't meet the criteria & its never been a viable option. I will be having the baby at home.

Thanks!

I would speak to the Head of midwifery to have your notes and files amended to the correct details amd demand an explanation from the midwife who lied on them.

I don't have much advice regarding on how to deal with the stress but I've felt the same I. This pregancy very hands off can never get in contact with them even thought I'm considered high risk.
It's been so bad next pregancy I'm not plannifoing. Informing them until late 2nd trimester.

In regards to monitoring you do t have to agree to anything. Their regulations are not law and you are not bound by them.
I know it's tough to challenge them but in my experience (throwing a bitch of anesthesiologist out of the room, demanding to see the most senior person on staff and refusing all treatment until I had) once you have made it clear what you will accept they will usually pull back a bit and remember there place is to advice NOT demand.

The most Importent thing to remember is to state on your birth plan and in person no informed consent this is usually what they use to excuse doing things to you and baby with consent or a clear explanation.
This is a very powerful statement and can make all the difference in how you are treated and respected.
YOU are I. Charge of your care the DRs/midwives are only there to give advice.

shelly I've know mothers to threaten home birth if they don't get to use MLU if it's for some silly arbitrary reason based on statics etc but not on your own personal care. Negotiations are then made to use the MLU instead of the hospital.

Thanks so much.

I am having the baby at home. I don't trust them anymore & don't want to use the MLU.

I no im a bit extra but these people annoy the crap out of me! I have had 5 babies. I know what im doing. Im very much of the view that they can only advise me but its like today- the mw blatantly lied!

God I hate bloody Dr's, mws & especially hv!!