Time to teach a bedside manner

Why is it they don’t seem to have any sense of what you do and don’t want to hear as someone who is about to give birth, or how to explain a situation in a way that is reasonable and calm?

In finding out I am carrying an apparently common but potentially dangerous infection (for the baby rather than me) on what level is it a) necessary to tell me this over the phone and leave me in a state? And b) tell me only the worst case scenarios rather than trying to allay any fears I might have?

It’s not rocket science, or indeed medical science, to realise that perhaps telling someone midway through their pregnancy that complications could be severe or even deadly is not something you can say in a matter-of-fact manner with no explanation or context. But apparently it is acceptable and it happened to me.

You know I have tried so hard not to criticise the care I am receiving and thank G-d so far I’ve had little reason to complain. But I am yet to see the same midwife twice (instead seeing substitute midwives at every appointment for a host of reasons) and the doctors I visit seem to be devoid of any bedside manner whatsoever.

I know the NHS resource is stretched and that ultimately all I need to worry about is a safe delivery and the care I get then, but despite all of this it should be compulsory to treat patients, pregnant or not, with a little time and thought.

I shouldn’t have to find someone else willing to talk to me like a reasonable human being to understand that what I am going through is really quite common and that there are things we can do to minimise any risk to the baby. I shouldn’t have to read for myself on the internet what my GP should be guiding me through with a helping hand.

I know that pregnancy isn’t easy and that often it does present scary hiccups along the way, but all I am asking for is a healthcare system that recognises we are people with emotions and that a little tlc and nurturing would go a long way.