A Midwife answers your question

Jess Read, head midwife for the Birth Centre, Community Midwifery and One-to-One at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, answers your questions

How can I get the most from my midwifery services?
‘Book in as early as you can with the hospital of your choice. That way you’ll get the full range of choices available to you, wherever you want to give birth.’

Are birth plans worth the bother?
‘Yes! When you go into labour, if your midwife hasn’t met you before, your birth plan allows her to get to know your preferences. Try to have your plan ready by about 36 weeks, and go through it with your midwife. She’ll be able to advise you on whether it’s realistic in terms of the services provided – for example, whether there’s likely to be a birthing pool available.’

Who makes the best birth partner?
‘It doesn’t matter who it is – partner, mother, sister, doula – as long as they can support you through labour and birth. Choose your partner well in advance, certainly by 36 weeks, and make sure they know what you want, what’s important to you and what’s not. A birth partner can provide practical help – such as providing drinks and snacks, or massage – and emotional support too, encouraging you when things get tough.’

What should I NOT do in pregnancy?
‘Don’t miss your antenatal appointments. When you’re arranging your antenatal care, make sure that it’s as convenient for you as possible so you won’t be tempted to skip a visit. And if there’s anything you’re not happy about, speak to someone as soon as possible – you can always ask to see a senior midwife, for example. This should be a really special time for you, so if anything is bothering you, ask for help.’

Know your rights

The relationship between you and your midwife is a partnership, so you don’t have to just do as you’re told. You have the right to:

Change your midwife: Your midwife is central to one of the most important experiences of your life, so if you’re unhappy with yours, don’t feel you’re making an unnecessary fuss. Contact the Head of Midwifery Services at your hospital, who will try to arrange an alternative for you.

Choose where you give birth: You have the choice of birth at your preferred hospital (not just the nearest one), at a birth centre, or at home.

Stay active during labour: Some procedures, such as strapping you to a fetal monitor, mean you can’t move about during labour. If you want to, then speak out – your midwife will do her best to accommodate you.

Refuse an internal exam: Internal exams, carried out during to see how far you’ve dilated, can be uncomfortable and feel invasive. If you don’t want one, you have the right to say so.

Choose a female rather than a male carer: If you’d rather not be attended by a male doctor (or midwife) in labour, you can ask, though it will depend on staffing at the time.

Receive an explanation and an apology for poor care: If after the birth you want to make a complaint, you should first get a copy of your case notes by writing to the Data Controller, Medical Records Department, at the hospital concerned. There may be a charge for this. You can ask for a midwife to review the notes with you. If you still feel you have grounds for a complaint, write to the Chief Executive at the hospital that provided your care (even if it was a home birth). For detailed guidance on making a complaint, go to aims.org.uk and visit the ‘Articles’ section.

Try to keep an open mind. Your midwife and doctor are there to make sure you and your baby are safe and healthy so be guided by them, even if you have to go against your birth plan.

Contacts and Information

Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS)
www.aims.org.uk
Helpline 0870 765 1433.
Independent support and information about maternity choices

Independent Midwives Association
www.independentmidwives.org.uk
Helpline 01483 821104.
For info about what independent midwives do, and to find one near you.

One Mother One Midwife
www.onemotheronemidwife.org.uk
A group campaigning for every woman to have her own named midwife throughout antenatal care and the birth.

Midwives Online
www.midwivesonline.com
Advice and support to new parents and families in every aspect of pregnancy and parenting.