"Lack of phone support"

The staff on the telephone at maternity assessment were speaking to us in our 4th day of labour, on the 3rd day of labour we were 3cm dilated when we came in to be assessed and were advised if we have contractions 3 mins apart to come in, we were having that consistently and having multiple contractions over 2 minutes.

We were advised they probably aren’t actually 2 minutes, and my partner wasn’t giving enough to be in labour, partner was of course trying not to scream down the phone to the member of staff.

We were told to go for a bath and call back if the contractions were worse, partner had advised the pain she was in. I understand that some people will be in a lot of pain but not be progressing, but with us being 3cm dilated 36 hours previous, surely they would want to see her, especially with the frequency and extremity of the contractions.

We did not listen to the advice and stated we would be coming down straight away, we were told okay, see you soon, *hangs up*. When arriving we were 9cm dilated and then rushed straight to the delivery room. 

Every member of staff in person have been incredibly wonderful, kind, caring and supportive. But the phone support (from the same people) needs some work. This wasn’t an isolated incident, we felt condescended and stupid leaving the phone to then have amazing care in person. 

Thank you to all in the ward, you were great.