Community Midwives

Have seen/spoken to 3 different midwives, not one of them has been who my midwife is apparently. I’ve had 2 lots of blood tests, as I was admitted to hospital at 8 weeks with a scare, and I’ve just been told due to storage errors I’ve got to go back and have another 2 lots of blood taken. I’m nearly 11 weeks and haven’t got any of my notes or a date for the 12 week scan, but maybe that’s normal?! Emergency maternity number for Ipswich hospital that I was given from the community midwife no one actually answers, so it hasn’t been a great experience so far. Hoping it will improve

So far ive seen 3 different midwives for 3 different appointments. The first didnt seem sure on some things so seemed to guess answers when doing booking information (phone call). The second appointment got the time wrong even though id had 2 calls confirming time, changing location and written in my green notes. So was rescheduled for later that day and wasnt sure when i should be getting whooping cough jab so had to go and ask. The 3rd (Feb) the midwife wore her mask around her chin for most of the appointment(?!). The window was shut and door shut so no ventilation. Was rushing, flappy, ticked boxes on my green form to say things had been dicussed when they hadnt, and then rushed me out the door "saying she had 5 mins to get a coffee before the next lady". At no point was i asked if i had any questions or any concerns that i wanted to discuss. Didnt feel i could as felt so rushed. Even though i arrived 5 mins early and appointment started on time. Im only half way through so hoping it gets better! Wasnt sure what to expect from these appointments - as so often youre told "that will be discussed with your midwife" but just seems to be a quick appointment to test your wee (which was handed back to me to dispose of myself?) Blood pressure, and fill in the green form with dates.

Good: Saw the same midwife throughout.
Supportive of home birth
Bad: Coercive
Not explained things properly or offered Expertise/insight.
Use of jargon!
Poor communication
Ticked things off in mat notes without discussion

Had my new baby over a decade after the last. Midwife was awful compared to the service I had before. She wasn’t personable, caring or compassionate. She made me feel inadequate, unconfident and like I didn’t matter. She also missed my high blood pressure and baby not growing. Seriously disturbing ignorance. I thought I was maybe being over sensitive but I spoke to friends that also had this particular midwife and they all had the same awful experience with her.

I saw the same midwife before the birth but after I saw three different people which was not so great as they didn't know me. Generally though they provided fgood support and advice. I attended the hypnobirth course whihc was good but midwives do need to be a bit more aware of what happens at West Suffolk Hospital as it mainly focussed on Ipswich Hospital. The course covered everything but because it is not something that West Suffolk do the staff were sceptical and not really on board with the ideas.

Although I live close to Sudbury I was under the Bury midwifery team which was problematic. It meant that when I had to provide samples they had to be taken all the way to Bury rather than to my surgery or Sudbury Health Centre. They were only open 9-5 which meant dropping off samples was difficult when I was working.

The community midwife has been good, giving the right level of support required. I've accessed the Peggy Cole unit and the support and advice there was very good.

I needed an emergency scan during my pregnancy, the only issue was that it was assumed I was an Ipswich Hospital patient not WSH which meant the scan was arranged at Ipswich hospital. Other than this one small issue my midwifery care was very good and I could always call if concerned. I saw the same midwife each time and the advice and support was very good.

My midwife was wonderful when I saw her but I didn't get to meet her until my 25 week. I saw 4 different people and if this had been my first child I would've been more concerned.

I've used both the community midwives and Ipswich hospital and both were equally as good. My midwife was fantastic before and after the birth of my baby. During my overnight stay in hospital after the birth was very good, very supportive.