"Waiting times at antenatal clinic"

I was disappointed in the waiting times in the antenatal clinic when I was expecting my second child. The occasion I remember best was an appointment for a scan at 36 weeks ie. heavily pregnant. I waited almost two and a half hours in the waiting room before being called to a consulting room to see a consultant. I sat there alone for a further twenty-five minutes. For some of this time, I could hear the consultant chatting to staff outside the room about non-work related matters.

When she finally came into the room (I was just about in tears by then), no apology was made. Her manner was abrupt to say the least. When we talked through my desire for a home birth, she made her feelings very clear, pointing out to me that even with a straightforward pregnancy and labour, I could still give birth to a 'flat' baby. I got the gist of what she meant but why would you use language like that? Scare tactics, I guess.

I had my baby at home as intended. It was great, the baby was safely delivered, it was comfortable and the midwifery support was brilliant. Shame about the consultant and the ludicrous if not cruel waiting times.