Getting the most out of your midwife is essential when you are carrying precious cargo! We don’t have long with our community midwives and that time is precious. You want to make sure that you’ve had your baby checked, and that you’re well too. Here are some tips to maximise that time.
- Take a list of what you want to ask in, but be realistic, midwives only have 15 minutes’ max (unless it’s your first appointment) so don’t expect them be able to answer 40 in-depth questions.
- Ask her if you are supposed to be doing anything at this point of your pregnancy. From being offered the whooping cough jab to taking an appropriate multivitamin, it’s useful to know if you can do anything to help you and baby.
- Record the heartbeat. If you want others to hear baby’s heartbeat, you can record it on your phone, just make sure you know how to do it before you get in to the room.
- Ask about hospital tours. Warwick and George Eliot do walks around Labour Suite. Coventry have tours around Lucina, the birthing unit, but not Labour Ward. Top tip – book in early for all hospitals.
- When you are 20 weeks plus you can ask for your MAT-B1 form for work (it officially confirms you will be taking maternity leave/shared parental leave) but midwives can only issue one copy. Remember to ask for it at your 25-week appointment (if you haven’t already) and take a copy before giving it in.
- As you get closer to the end, ask your midwife to confirm the phone numbers for the hospital are on the front of the notes so you can call as and when the time comes.
- If you are unhappy with your midwife, for whatever reason, you can change your care. Call the community number and ask to speak to either a supervisor of midwives or the community manager to change your midwife. Just so you are aware, it may involve you having to register at another doctor’s surgery in some cases. Ultimately try and enjoy the appointments if you can. They are special times where you can focus on baby and hear them.
It is best that you leave the listening into baby, to the midwives as they listen for intricate parts of the heartbeat. Having your own heartbeat monitor is fun, but please never replace seeking medical advice if your baby slows down or stops moving.
