"Disappointing"

am currently 30 weeks pregnant and was assigned to the Barkantine as a possible location to give birth, should my pregnancy continue low risk.

I was told that one of the advantages of being registered at the Barkantine was being able to see the same midwife throughout my pregnancy, creating a more personal bond with her/him, making the actual birthing environment a more relaxing experience, since I would have a professional with me that had accompanied me during 9 months.

So far, this has not been the case. I was invited to have one initial appointment at the Barkantine, having the remaining appointments with different midwifes at my local health centre.

One midwife was 2 hours late for my appointment, which naturally increased my blood pressure and while measuring the baby's heart rate informed me she could " hear that my placenta was all over the front", when my medical records had registered a posterior placenta.

Finding this information somewhat unusual, I was later informed by a GP that this information could have never been given, since it would be medically impossible to assess the position of the placenta by "hearing" where it is.

Also, at this appointment, the midwife requested new blood tests to assess my iron levels, to be analysed at the next appointment.

The following appointment was with yet another midwife, who, looking at my blood tests, informed me that everything was fine.

To my surprise I received a letter from my GP stating that my iron levels were still low and that I needed to increase my daily iron dosage.

Having called the Barkantine Birth Centre, requesting an explanation from this last midwife, I was informed that my iron levels were indeed lower than expected and that I should have been, at the time of the appointment, referred back to my GP, for an increased iron intake.

Also, never having been informed of any free Antenatal Classes during any stage of the pregnancy and being reluctant to pay the required amount for the NCT classes, I was at a very late stage informed that the Royal London Hospital provided classes which I could attend. Having requested these at 27 weeks, I was informed I was too late to book them.

Having then enquired at the Barkantine Centre if they could provide me with any antenatal classes I was informed, to my surprise that I was too early to book them, but if I insisted I could participate in a course they provided, 1 month before my due date.

Inaccurate medical information, a false sense of assurance and lack of continuity have made my experience with the Barkantine Birth Centre very underwhelming and disappointing.