"Rude midwife"

I had a pool birth at Grimsby Hospital. First of all I would like to say it was a wonderful experience and my midwife who helped delivered my little boy was patient, kind and knowledgeable.

I had a brief encounter with a midwife at the beginning of my care who was quite rude and never bothered to check on me for the hour and a half I was under their care (probably because I wasn't in "established" labour, even though It was clear I needed some support). They lectured me about pain relief in labour- I had stated I wanted an epidural when in established labour as I didn't want to feel everything if I should need forceps/intervention, and that I was very anxious. To which they replied in a very abrupt and rude manner, "we will just let the epidural wear off when you start pushing anyway". As a midwife myself, I would never talk to a patient in this way, professional or otherwise. They made me, as a vulnerable first time mother, even more afraid than I already was. It has been a while since I gave birth but this experience for me really highlights the lasting impact our words and actions can have on patients. I don't remember their name or face but I'll always remember the way she made me feel. I do hope she hasn't made any other women feel this way.