Getting the most out of your midwife appointments

Most of what I’ve learnt so far has been through antenatal classes. Our hospital does free ones online which was super, so worth asking or searching online for some. Then there are the paid classes too for things like baby first aid etc

My appointments have been the same so far, I’d even go as far to say I’ve been very disappointed with my community midwife.

I have been told that the 34 week appointment is a double slot and you go through things like birth plan, vitamins etc but they basically expect you to get feeding and other birthing information from antenatal classes either paid or free NHS ones.

My midwife hasn’t given me any information on these NHS classes but has told me to look at the trust website to find when they are on and where.

They should start giving you more birthing info as time goes on. Discuss birth preferences, talk about signs to look out for, plans near the end of pregnancy if baby doesn’t come on their own etc. You start having almost 3 weekly appointments from now.

Would recommend you source proper antenatal education though, they don’t have the time to be able to go into enough detail for you to really be informed.

Unfortunately within the regular medical system there isn’t a lot of education. I learned everything from my home birth midwife. All my appts were an hour long and she taught me so much. But I did look elsewhere for education too. My husband and I also took a prenatal class with our doula as well. Realizing the large gap in education, it’s made me become a doula myself!

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-antenatal-care-and-appointments/

This details everything that should happen at each appointment.

A lot of the other stuff you've mentioned is covered in the NHS antenatal class if there's one where you are?

You can also ask the midwife anything at your appointment so anything like that you're wondering or wanting to know more about you can just ask them.

Unfortunately midwives are only given 20-30 minutes for each appointment and there’s a lot that needs to fit in those 20-30 minutes that women aren’t aware of. It is frustrating for both parties and I speak as a mum and as a midwife. I personally always give time for questions which means sometimes I’m late for my next patient (which also upsets people) and I do A LOT of signposting (antenatal classes, good books, podcasts, websites). The problem is the system and us mothers have to find other ways to find information which is really sad.

The home birthing team has been amazing. I had home consultation, 2 hours in depth conversation about every option under the sun and every birth scenario, a breastfeeding specialist came over to my house to discuss my breastfeeding plan...and they will come with me to the hospital if I need to be transfered. The breastfeeding specialist will also be there for first and second feed, and on day 1, 3 and 5.

I also did the NCT free online antinatal classes, and a paid in person course to meet parents and make friends, and I have to say I feel incredibly prepared.