Antenatal appointments rant

[IncyWincyMouseRat]

I’ve had almost no time off for antenatal appointments in this pregnancy. I had one growth scan a couple of weeks ago and worked before and after the appointment despite it being much nearer to my home. I even took my student with me! (I’m a midwife so this is less odd than you might think!)

I’m supposed to be seeing the homebirth team at my house next week. I’ve been really looking forward to having an actual appointment in my own environment and not just squeezing one in at work when we have 5 minutes. I spend so much time rushing around trying to care for all my women that tbh I feel like I’ve been a bit neglected. The nature of the appointment next week and the work that the team do obviously means that they can’t tell me exactly when they’ll be with me so I asked for my clinic to be covered (a week ago so they had 2 weeks notice). It still hasn’t been sorted and I’m now being asked if I can arrange with the team for them to come before of after the clinic which is impossible to arrange or know until closer to the time.

I’ve asked for one thing and I don’t think I’m being unreasonable. I know I’m just hormonal but I’m so upset about it this morning.

Sorry you are having a tough time on this but I'm sure as a midwife you know that this is not unusual.

My clients all manage to turn up to appointments in the middle of the working day and I’m constantly reminding them that they are entitled to protected time off for antenatal care so I’m not sure why I’m any different. Obviously I’m not going to kick up a fuss though because it’s not worth the bad feeling.

I’m sorry you’re feeling uncared for and can understand your frustration.
I’m sure a lot of women would prefer to slot their appointments in quickly than have to take hours out of work to drive/get public transport back to their midwife appt, sit around for ages as the clinic is running late then drive/get public transport back to work. My best friend is a child protection social worker and she had an absolute nightmare arranging cover for a court appearance and had to take 5 hours out of work for what ended up being a 5 min appt (urine dip test and blood pressure check) at 16 weeks.

Oh and she begged for a beginning of end of clinic appt but couldn’t get one.

@IncyWincyMouseRat I can completely understand how you feel that you're not getting the level of care / support you offer to your own Mums to be. Some employers find it more difficult than others to arrange cover for the time off and I think the healthcare industry is one of the toughest in that respect. Is it possible to close the clinic for the day or get a Bank midwife? I quite often see things like that happening but. Know it depends who you're expecting and their various circumstances.

At least ad a midwife you know what's going on! I still feel lost at 29 weeks, have seen a different midwife every time for 5 mins and struggle to get appointments - as a teacher it is also difficult to organise time off. But it must be reassuring to have the knowledge you have!