"Mixed experience of antenatal care"

I started my antenatal care in MGP4 and was transferred to a shared care arrangement between the MGP4 (Midwifery Group Practice) and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Antenatal Clinic (Gold Team) after I became symptomatic with a hereditary blood condition.

When I became symptomatic, I was admitted to King Edward for several nights but I believe I was missed in the on call physician’s rounds and not evaluated by a doctor for over 48 hours. I believe the ward attempted to discharge me without treatment or a plan and I collapsed in an anaemic state on my way to the lifts. I was readmitted after, I suspect, the staff recognised how unwell I was. I felt scared that my blood condition wasn’t understood by treating staff and that the presentation of my symptoms was not being taken seriously.

Eventually, I was seen by who I felt was a knowledgeable physician Dr Shivanthi and I believe escalated my care promptly. Once referred to Gold Team, I felt very well supported by haematologist Dr Ros in Gold Team (and various other OB’s and midwife Leanne in MGP4.

I was particularly blown away by my birth experience on the day my baby was born, after a 24 hour induction. Leanne was an incredibly calming and supportive presence. She allowed me to completely relax into the experience and involved my husband as a valued part of the process (something that sounds so inherent but I came to understand was not always the way at King Edward). I truly loved delivering my baby - thank you to Leanne and MGP4.

I greatly enjoyed the knowledgeable and compassionate care of midwives Asha, Emily and Anna during my stay on the postnatal ward.