Lost all confidence in my mw.

[scaredoflabour]

I'm feeling really low today and looking for some advice.
My Ds was 16 days late. I was only offered one sweep which failed. I was then induced on drip and told by midwife "I've put it on 2, if you think the pain's bad now wait till I turn it up to 12!" . I ended up having an epidural, wasn't monitored properly then an emcs.

With DD (at a different hospital) was persuaded to have a VBAC by consultant. I was told at the time that under no circumstances would I have to be induced again. (Increased risks of scar rupture and personal dread) Instead, sweeps from 38 weeks were offered to get things moving before that point was reached with the understanding that if I went too far over again I would have a planned csec.

Now preg with dc3 (different hosp again). At the beginning of the preg had meeting with consultant who was very understanding and supportive. Encouraged me to go for another VBAC which I was fine with, with the understanding that I would have sweeps again and under no circumstances would I have an induction on a drip.
Fast fwd to 37 week app with mw who said, "oh no, not our policy" so I explained the situation (again!) to which she said, "well I'll have to check with consultant before I see you next week." That was fine.
38 week app today, mw tells me she hasn't spoken to consultant like arranged and that I'd have to go to hosp and ask her my self. That she doesnt like doing sweeps anyway" and that "they'll probably look at me like I've got two heads when I ask a consultant at the hosp."

Feel very . I have tried and tried to explain my experience, advice from consultants but she just kept say "oh let nature do it's thing"! That's all very well but when you reach term + 16 nature starts to run out of time!
I don't relish the idea of sweeps but I'm terrified of an induction.
I just don't know what to do. I've made an appointment t go see consultant but frightened I will look like a fool now. Also, don't want to see my mw anymore.

Sorry for long rant.

oh dear you poor thing, well done on making apt to fight your corner, make notes of the points you want to make to the consultant, and take notes of what's said/ what will happen

best of luck my dear

thanks chaffinch

sounds like you need an advocate. not sure what is on offer apart from a doula in your circumstances but either another opinion from a midwife or an advocate of some description

Get consultant to write instruction to midwife in your green notes. This works for me!

perhaps contact supervisor of midwives to complain.

Absolutely you should feel confident about speaking to the consultant. Why let a puffed-up ignoramus (perhaps a bit harsh, but really!) dictate your options when you clearly heard differently from another professional? Even if the consultant doesn't take you seriously, it's worth a go and you'll have lost nothing but definitely gained valuable information. What if you just went with the midwife's advice and ended up unhappy with the outcome? You'd wish you'd asked for another opinion.

Agreed with peeapod, it might be helpful to have backup - if not another professional (doula, consultant, asking to change midwives), then perhaps your OH joining you in any key discussions.

Thank you.
DH works away during the week so feeling a bit lonely and unsupported.
I would like to ask to change midwife but don't know if I'll get a rep. for being a pain.

Don't feel Like your being a pain and make sure you speak to consultant, you might find that your midwife is talking about something she doesn't really know about, I had this as id already had it agreed I was going to have c sec but then found out I had gd, instead of seeing my consultant I saw a head midwife as consultant was busy, when I discussed c sec with her she said it was very unlikely I would be allowed one any more as they don't like mums with gd to fast and it would mean I would need to be monitored more closely, when I spoke to the consultant he said what she told me was nonesence as id have to be monitored eitherway I give birth and fasting wouldn't be a problem. Id been panicking for 2 weeks because of what she said but it all turned out ok,
hope all goes well for you, hopefully your labour will start on its own and you manage to avoid all the interference,

No personal experience of this, but our NCT teacher pointed out that some mws like/are better at sweeps than others, so may be worth considering whether that's a factor in her comments. Maybe another mw in the practice might do it for you, if she's not confident?

The midwife team I am seeing have been useless and I've been feeling very down about them.
Sounds like you are in an even worse situation, which you must stand up for yourself in. Do not be pressured into anything you're not happy with. Ask to speak to a supervisor and push for what you want.
You could also look into natural methods of induction like homeopathy. There are a lot more options that the midwives tell you.
Good luck!

It's your consultant who is a bit naughty. Mw are only supposed to do a sweep if you are term. If the consultant wishes for an early sweep, it's for them to perform.

Fingers crossed for you.