"My maternity experience so far"

As I sit here 9 months pregnant I am reflecting back on all my visits.

I always wanted to write a review about my experience with the Harris Birthright Centre but wanted to wait at the end so it will all be one review bearing in mind this is my first pregnancy.

So My 1st 12 week scan we was so excited and nervous as you can imagine as this is our first and you read so many things on the internet ( bad things) about this centre but thought I’d go in with an open mind.  We had two songraphers in room who told me to lay down and then they continued with the scan.  Seeing my baby for the first time made it all realistic and magical and I was very overwhelmed but that did not last long as the two staff that scanned me started to argue about a pen. One of them was very quiet and I kept having to ask them to speak up which they seemed frustrated about.

My 20 weeks scan - As my first scan was such a bad experience I was not looking forward to this scan. I had two different staff members  so I again had an open mind and put it down to the first staff being over worked? Anyways, in the middle of the scan one of them stood up and said excuse me I am just going to get someone.  I started to panic thinking they  something was wrong.  Two staff looked at the second computer screen - not the one near me. I got very upset and asked if everything was okay.  They said yes and that it was not my scan. I was very upset that they put me through that! I then got told I have a single umbilical artery and I must say they did explain it and sat me down and said they are going to do another few scans which is fine.

3rd scan (growth scan) I had in December by different staff again.  They didn’t even acknowledge how nervous the situation was - I felt I was treated  like a number, an inconvenience and they just wanted me out the way. 

4th scan-  was a trainee and another person who were absolutely wonderful,  explaining everything, reassuring me the best they could (I understand they can’t say too much) but that was best.

Last scan -  as I was laying on the table a older person came in, just walked in on their phone, head down, no introduction or anything and they all proceeded to talk in a language which I couldn’t understand. This I found unacceptable. I was so worried and scared and it was such a daunting experience and very upsetting.  I didn’t know if something was wrong or if they were talking about me.

Overall it’s been an awful experience and my anxiety has risen because of this place. If I have another baby I will ask to avoid this centre completely.