The mean midwife isn't so mean

[Amy&Daniel]

Hello

I recently went to see the Ilkley midwives for a routine appointment. I was a little bit worried because the midwife who saw me was one I have found to, maybe, not have the greatest of bedside manners in the past.

So I thought I would just keep shtum, not ask any questions and get it over and done with.

Well, it went great! I will totally be doing that again if I ever see her. She became quite chatty. In fact, she had me in stitches.

I have also been told by other midwives that she is a very competent midwife.

Now, admittedly, she's had me in tears in the past. And I have spoken to a few other mums who have found appointments with her pretty emotional too.

I just thought I would share this new strategy, in case it also works for you.

Best of luck with your pregnancies.

Amy

[Kirsty&Felix]

If It's who I think you're taliking about I thought the same as you at first. One time though I had a problem with my baby's heart rate and had to go straight to Airedale. She was amazing and really reassuring, unlike another really nice midwife when it had happened before who cried when I did and made me worry even more!

The midwife I think you're talking about was brilliant when she visited me at home after the birth too.

[llanarth]

this made me smile as I know who you mean - she gave me a membrane sweep with minimal bedside manners (but as you say, she's very competant as I went into labour that night!)

Witnessed her just recently when I was at a friends house who had just given birth. It's not so much what she does say, but what she doesn't. My friend was apologising for the mess and the muddle she was in and I had to prompt the midwife to get her to say that my friend was coping really well. Also, she didn't say anything nice about the baby, even when she was holding it - I know all newborns look like old men and she's will have seen millions, but a little comment about how lovely the baby was would have gone a long way. Fortunately, when the midwife popped back out to the car, I was able to tell my friend about this thread...!:p

[Mimles]

She has a clipped manner but is sweet and personable when she HAS to be. I really rate her actually. A true professional

[ugm2lvc]

I thought that she was awful while I was pregnant but after she saw me the day after the birth she was excellent and very very helpful. Airedale let me go without making sure I could breastfeed correctly and my son had been screaming for 12 hours. She came in and sorted out everthing brilliantly and made me feel so much better.
I have to say this is often my experience of the 'older style' nurses, they might not be overly friendly but they are ultimate professionals and when something doesn't run to plan then they are the person you want with you sorting everything out and are brilliant!

[boddahbee]

... they might not be overly friendly but when something doesn't run to plan then they are the person you want with you!

She has seen me through three pregnancies! Her priorities are the health of the mother and the child ... not how popular she is! She has a wealth of experience that the 'nicer' midwives don't have!

[JCroft93]

She has seen me through three pregnancies! Her priorities are the health of the mother and the child ... not how popular she is! She has a wealth of experience that the 'nicer' midwives don't have!

EEXACTLY. i think all the ones ive seen are lovely julie and lisa are the best. Infact lisa saved my daughters life if she hadnt noticed my bump wasnt growing and sent me straight to airedale my daughter wouldnt be here now. your baby is the one that matters not how popular she is!