I had an extremely negative experience with the midwife Mary. Without going into too much detail, I had gone into the experience excited and prepared with a loose plan that I had shared during my prenatal visits. I expected in going with the midwives that they would be willing to take a more hands-off less medicalized approach to birth, and follow modern researched-based guidelines. I went into labor naturally with a low risk pregnancy. Unfortunately, Mary was on call when I went into labor.
I felt like none of my wishes were respected about the way I wanted to try laboring. They did not even do some of the things they claim they do routinely, like delayed cord clamping-- and there was no medical reason not to. I was harassed and bullied and pressured into doing things I did not feel comfortable with. I think my basic rights of consent, and being treated humanely and with respect, were violated. I am in the medical field and have no problems with any medical treatments which are necessary, I specifically had a problem with the way I was treated by Mary. I had a doula present as well as my husband, and in speaking with her afterwards, she was very unhappy with the way I was treated as well.
I waited a few months to write this review to give myself time to think and process it, but I feel like I need to put this out there, as I would not wish my experience on any other birthing person. The other midwives I saw throughout my prenatal and postnatal care seemed great, and although I don't know for sure, I believe I would have had a better experience with one of them.
