38 week midwife appointment-now consultant led, scared and confused

[luci and bump]

Had my 38 week appointment today, which has made me a bit upset and tearful After a pretty textbook pregnancy, I've been told that due to having no bloods done, I am now under consultant led care, which means I can kiss my birth plan goodbye I might just be being hormonal and emotional, but it seems stupid to me that, I haven't had any bloods done due to a severe needle phobia, which is why I set my heart on a water birth, yet I've now been told that is no longer an option. How the hell am I supposed to get through labour when apart from gas and air, the only pain relief available is through my greatest fear?!?
I'm absolutely gutted, and feel like I've already failed my baby, because I couldn't put my love for it before my fear.

Has anyone else been transferred to consultant led care at this late stage? I've worked myself up into a right state now, because I have visions of being stuck on a bed strapped to a monitor which was the last thing I wanted!

 

[punk_pig]

You could stay at home and use your bath etc. for the early stages. I only used G&A and didn't have the option of an epidural but didn't miss it. What about TENS? Is the consultant definately anti-water birth etc.

 

[luci and bump]

I've got a tens machine, which I'd been planning on using during the early stages, then was planning on getting into the pool. Was advised that water can sometimes slow labour down, so keen to avoid it until I'm in active labour really.
I should have asked more questions when I was with the midwife, but all I could think about was trying not to cry! When I had my ante-natal classes, we were told that being on the consultant led ward means constant monitoring, which means no water birth, as the monitors can't go in the water
I just wish I was told sooner that this could happen, instead of just being allowed to get on with it, assuming that everything was fine! If I'd known I'd be forced to go consultant led, then I would have gone to the hospital weekly until they managed to get some bloods!

 

[scotmum35]

they really should have told u that not giving blood could lead to consultant care erlier on then maybe u could have conquered your fear of needles.i think it was wrong of them to not mention it.
at the same time i can understand why they have changed u over.do they know your blood type should u need blood? they cant predict if u may be anemic or need anti D injections for babys saftey or if u are at risk of pre-e without checking your bloods ( well the pre-e thing isnt so accurate but they like to check out your urates and how your kidneys ect are functioning if u are at risk).im really sorry u cant get a water birth because of this.
during my first preg i had a phobia of vomiting and i lost that phobia by having a kidney infection that made me vomit for 2 weeks straight.
sometimes with phobias experiencing them is how we overcome them, but i know how overwhelming phobias are so im not judging they can take over your life.
im sure your baby will be delivered safe and sound and thats the most important thing for u both, so keep that in mind. xx

 

[superfrizbee]

I'm sorry I can't offer more advice, but why not look up some other natutal remedies. I've got a tens machine and my friend got a lot of relief from using a birthing ball...

 

[ericacaca]

You will not have to be constantly monitored unless baby's heartbeat doesnt seem to be as normal as it should be. Consultant led means that you just have to see a consulatant for a couple of times so you get a bit more specialist care. Midwives are fantastic - but there are people higher up just to make sure everything is as fine as it can be.

They might put a belt on you to monitor for a while... but be very clear and say that you want as active a birth as possible and get it taken off unless absolutely neccesary.

Stress and anxiety will stop your labour and slow it down and that is the last thing anybody wants.

xxx

 

[HayleyH]

My whole pregnancy has been consultant led, which can be frustrating as any questions I pose to the community midwife, results in the reply "you'll have to ask the consultant"

Saying that, at my last appt with him (last week) I specifically asked him to authorise a water birth for me as I am classed as high risk. He did this and even highlighted it in pink on my notes Obviously he went on to explain that I will still need to be monitored and I will need to be flexible should things need to change but he is more than happy for me to have the birth I want.

I have APS, rhesus neg, polyhydramnios and a baby that has been above 97th centile since 28 weeks so I would imagine if you actually voice your preferences to the consultant when you see him, he may well put your fears to rest and authorise one too.

Fingers crossed for you.

 

[luci and bump]

Thats the thing though, I don't have an appointment with a consultant! All I've been told is that when I go into labour, instead of calling the midwife led unit, I call the consultant led unit instead! I don't even have an appointment to see the midwife for another 2 weeks, when I'll be 40+1!
I don't even have a phone number to contact anyone to see if I should be seeing a consultant before birth! Am so pissed off that they've been so slack! I haven't seen the same midwife more than once, so am constantly told "I'll do ..... at your next appointment" and then when I get there, its a completely different woman who I then have to explain what was said in the last appointment!

Is anyone else now having weekly appointments? My friend back home is having weekly appointments, and my mum seemed quite shocked that I have to wait another 2 weeks to see the midwife again!

 

[Clarehc]

Just turn up at the MW led unit, I seriously doubt they'll turn you away. If you do end up at the consultant led unit, you need to be really strong and stand up for yourself, or take someone who will be very, very clear and strong on your behalf. You'll have to be firm and absolutely INSIST that you are not strapped down and monitored constantly. Do some research, find out your options i.e. a set time spent being monitored every hour or two or alternatives etc. They may try to scare you or insist but this is often largely for their benefit so unless you feel the baby (or you) need that extra assistance or monitoring, you will have to stand really firm.

It's really hard, especially with your first (assuming this is your first) as you tend to think "well, they know best" but though they have good intentions, often they simply want to get you moved along and the job done without thinking about what is actually going to make this process better for you. I speak from experience and would really urge you not to be laid on the bed, prone, strapped up the entire time. Stay mobile and trust your instincts.

I'd also request more information at this stage, whether it be from the MW or consultant. You should be able to go to both units for a look around and get your questions answered. As I say, do your birth research so you know what they are talking about and if they are being entirely truthful.

Good luck!

 

[xarlenex]

As one of the other ladies said, consultant led care doesn't make a difference to your options during birth. I was consultant led with my son and laboured in the birthing pool (didn't deliver due to meconium in waters) and I'm consultant led this time and planning a home birth. How you birth is YOUR choice, a midwife/doctor can only advise you. Look into ordering a tens machine, and learn some breathing techniques, small things such as lavender oil on a tissue for you to breath in whilst on a birthing ball etc.. There's lots of alternative things you can try.

 

[luci and bump]

Just turn up at the MW led unit, I seriously doubt they'll turn you away. If you do end up at the consultant led unit, you need to be really strong and stand up for yourself, or take someone who will be very, very clear and strong on your behalf. You'll have to be firm and absolutely INSIST that you are not strapped down and monitored constantly. Do some research, find out your options i.e. a set time spent being monitored every hour or two or alternatives etc. They may try to scare you or insist but this is often largely for their benefit so unless you feel the baby (or you) need that extra assistance or monitoring, you will have to stand really firm.

It's really hard, especially with your first (assuming this is your first) as you tend to think "well, they know best" but though they have good intentions, often they simply want to get you moved along and the job done without thinking about what is actually going to make this process better for you. I speak from experience and would really urge you not to be laid on the bed, prone, strapped up the entire time. Stay mobile and trust your instincts.

I'd also request more information at this stage, whether it be from the MW or consultant. You should be able to go to both units for a look around and get your questions answered. As I say, do your birth research so you know what they are talking about and if they are being entirely truthful.

Good luck!

This is what I'm worried about. My OH is convinced that doctors know best, so what they say goes. I have no doubt in my ability to give birth, but he is concerned that something is going wrong, and due to my fear I'll refuse intervention. I know if the doctor says something needs to happen, not only will I need to argue with them, I'll have to argue with my OH too!!
Do you think I should phone the consultant unit and ask for an appointment with a consultant? I'm really cross that I've been shifted across to consultant led care, without being given an appointment with a consultant to discuss how that changes things!

As one of the other ladies said, consultant led care doesn't make a difference to your options during birth. I was consultant led with my son and laboured in the birthing pool (didn't deliver due to meconium in waters) and I'm consultant led this time and planning a home birth. How you birth is YOUR choice, a midwife/doctor can only advise you. Look into ordering a tens machine, and learn some breathing techniques, small things such as lavender oil on a tissue for you to breath in whilst on a birthing ball etc.. There's lots of alternative things you can try.

I've got a tens machine, and a birthing ball. Could I arrive at the hospital in labour and demand a water birth? I can't see how not having blood tests would mean the baby needs to be monitored more? But this is my first pregnancy, so I'm not really sure about the whole labour and birth thing! I was told during my ante-natal classes that the consultant led unit has a birthing pool, but that its only ever used as a reserve for the midwife led unit, as you are constantly monitored on the consultant ward.

 

[Blizzard]

Luci, are you at the Heath? X

 

[Blizzard]

I'm going to assume yes. To the best of my knowledge you aren't required to have constant monitoring! Regular yes, but you could use the pool (and they will let you) and then get out for monitoring periodically. I'm at the Heath too and i've had to talk to the consultants a few times and they are very understanding. I would suggest you call up the hospital and ask to have an appointment to discuss your concerns and fears. They aren't out to be difficult, I think that they will try and help. Also to the lady who suggested just turning up at the MW unit, they are only a floor apart, so it wouldn't help as Luci would just be sent upstairs. If you want to chat PM me Hun. Xxx

 

[MommaAlexis]

I have the same fear, I've tried to go get bloods sooo many times but I turn into a blubbering idiot at the sight of the needle. I have tons of tattoos and peircings so it's not the pain that terrifies me. I still haven't had any needles. I wish they could just put me to sleep, take the blood then wake me up. Lol. Focus on how you can make a hospital birth as natural as possible.

 

[Clarehc]

I think you should phone and ask for an appointment, yes. Explain you have worries and fears and unless you get some answers and explanations, you won't be coming in for any appointments or going there to give birth.

To be honest, I am quite biased due to a bad experience so I'd never let myself get pushed around by the doctors again. Having done a lot more research into birthing procedures, I know I didn't need to get all those things done to me or baby. I'm not saying don't listen to the experts, just be aware of your options and if they say you need to do X, you can say, what about Y or Z?

Ideally you need to get your DH onboard too. My DH kind of pressured me to be induced as the doctors scared him too and we both regret that. This time he's been 'whatever YOU want to do' and totally supportive. I'd get him reading the research you do too, so he is up to date.

You're in the UK, aren't you? Sorry, having a blank moment! Just remember that you are not asking their permission for anything, they are there to take care of you and offer you options. Maternal requirements, including fears, need to be taken into account too. They cannot force you to do anything but in order to argue your case, you need to be well informed, calm and very strong.

 

[petitpas]

No need to worry about it, get on the phone. Explain what your fears are and ask to see a consultant asap.
You can even call your midwife and ask for another appointment to discuss your fears. Maybe she can help you give blood and avoid this situation.

I swear, I'm not being patronising. Until I was 29 I was a total needle phobe myself. I cried and screamed and shook like a leaf. Basically, I was impossible to get blood from. Now what do I do? I give myself an injection twice a day and think nothing of it! I still cringe at giving blood but for almost a year I had to do that twice a week, too, so I'm totally used to it. Your fear does not need to dominate you. When it comes to the crunch, I am sure you can do it

 

[luci and bump]

Have been into the hospital to attempt my bloods. It didn't go well, but I came closer than the last time. They said they would rather send me home to calm down a bit and go back in tomorrow, rather than get more and more stressed.
I phoned and spoke to the midwife led team, the midwife seemed a bit confused that I'd been moved across, but the consultant team didn't seem fazed, so am guessing I'm not the only person who has been in this situation.
Am gonna do a lot of research between now and Thursday, and just pray that baby doesn't come before then! Will have to go in armed with a list of questions, as I tend to get a bit tongue tied and forget everything when I go to the doctors! Can you think of anything I specifically should ask?

 

[ericacaca]

In honesty I HATE my bloods being taken... especially if its by a different person compared to my usual midwife. And they always decide to take my blood pressure right before it and worry about it being higher than my usual with my normal midwife? Errrr hello?

I can't look at the needle, I have my hubby holding my hand through it all and I close my eyes until she says its done. I just hate it but I know that its for the best so try to get on with it..... . hope you get there soon xxx

 

[luci and bump]

Just bumping this up to see if anyone has any questions etc I should ask at my consultant appointment on Thursday?