Midwife Duty Calls

So, earlier today, 12th of March 2013, we had our first Midwife Appointment. Quarter past 10 in the morning at Northwick Park Hospital, level 4 Antenal Clinic.

NP Hospital

We prepared ourselves starting 8 in the morning and we're off to the hospital at 10:15am. Luckily we got at the bus stop in time for the 10:30am bus. Arriving at the hospital, we searched for the Antenatal Clinic referring to the letter which states level 4. When we came face-to-face with the elevator, a big "number 4" was locked before our eyes. We are at level 4 already. Funny, because it seems to me that that level was supposed to be level 1. Maybe there's a basement of some sort. Anyways, we were there and right on time.

There were already a lot of mommys and daddys at the waiting area but still not ver crowded as we get to have a seat. I approached the reception lady and told her about my 10:45am midwife appointment. Asked for my appointment letter, my passport, and I was advised to take one of the empty urine sample bottles in front of me and take a seat.

Appointment Day

I was eager to take alot of photos for my blog, but Mark insisted that I don't. It may be against some rules or something. Observed some of the mommys in the area and watched the show just to pass the time. After 15 minutes, a lady called my name (at first I was hesitant because I wasn't sure it I heard my name correctly), and then she asked for my urine sample. Oopsy, I haven't done it. Thankfully, Mark bought a bottle of water and I started drinking it when we arrived, so my bladder is somewhat full to fill the sample bottle. Approached the same lady after, where she ushered me in one of the rooms and took my blood pressure, height, weight and tested the urine sample. She was a very nice lady, in her 40s I think. I had difficulty in understanding some of her words but I get the sense of the message she's trying to relay.

After that, I was asked to wait again at the waiting area to wait for another call from the reception. Then  my name was again called and I walked towards the reception lady where she asked me to check if the name and birthday on the label is correct. Inquired when my last period was and if I was having any problems during my period. Went back to our seat shortly after.

This time, we waited for about 30 minutes before we were called by another lady. This time it was my midwife. We entered a small room where she and her colleague started asking questions and congratulated us for our first baby. Daniella was one of the midwife, but I forgot the other one (sorry, it was kind of difficult to pronounce). But they're both very nice and compassionate midwives. Daniella was much adept to the system while the other lady was I think just starting with the hospital so she needs Daniella's help while we do our appointment. Both are in their 40-50s, I suppose.

It was a very long and paperwork-full but a non-boring day. I guess I was too excited to get bored. There were many things that were discussed, mostly I didn't even remember. I also permitted to do blood samples for varied tests (HIV, hepa, etc etc etc --- i can't remember most of it). I hate needles, but this one came out nicely, it was a bit painful at first but tolerable. They filled 5 blood sample bottles, placed my details on it and we get to have the results this 20th.

Blood Sample, Yellow Book, Booklet Samples

My personal details and Mark's were taken and also family histories. They also asked about my pregnancy, how I was feeling for the past few months, any bleeding, and so on. Summarizing it all, they told me that I was perfectly healthy and to just continue eating anything in moderation and to exercise to gain more strength in preparation for the delivery. They talked about the available breastfeeding sessions and other pregnancy sessions that are being offered in the hospital, the vaccines that I can take if I wanted to (which will not affect my baby and me), the first scan (Nuchal Scan, a scan for early detection of down's syndrome) that I'll be doing, the succeeding appointments that I'll be having, the different ways and places to give birth and all sort of things. I was also informed that I will be having a shared care -- from the midwives and from the GP. If everything is perfectly normal, the midwife will be handling it and specialized doctors will only come in if something goes wrong.

I was also given a yellow book to take with me every time I visit my GP or midwife. There's also loads of booklets and information leaflets that we're handed to me, which I get to read only a few days after. The session took about 2 hours I think and I was famished when we got out of the clinic. Had a sandwich and a coffee at the nearest hospital cafe and waited for the bus home.

For me it was an exciting experience. I think all of the appointments that I'll be having would be an exciting experience. Talk about the thrill of having a first baby, who wouldn't be awed by that. Come the 20th is our first scan. I'm not really sure what to expect (and I don't want to expect anything), but I'm just ecstatic to be seeing my baby for the first time. Mark is, too. Can't wait!