Monday 26 October 2009

The waiting game

I could be in labour any moment now (that’s the process of giving birth, and not the political party before anyone starts spreading rumours!). I’ve been making the most of this part of my maternity leave, and using it to organise some campaign things and get my filing in order – but it’s very frustrating to have such little energy or flexibility! I keep dropping things on the floor, and have to wait for Jamie to pick them up for me. My mum and dad visited last week and very kindly helped with the housework, gardening and furniture building – while I sat with my feet up. :o)

Anyway, I thought I would quickly reflect on my experience of the NHS during my pregnancy. In short, it has been excellent. I have been prodded and poked by a whole host of healthcare professionals over the last 9 months. In some ways, it has felt like I have totally surrendered control of my pregnancy to the NHS, such has been the level of care. However, it has also been reassuring to know that there is so much support available – from the extra GP and nurse appointments, to the regular midwife appointments and antenatal classes. Every person in the NHS who has looked after us has been so patient, reassuring and professional.

As a first time mum-to-be, pregnancy has been the most daunting period of my life. I suppose I could describe myself as a researcher ‘by trade’, so it is quite scary to be taking on a role I know so little about – parenting! But no amount of reading or research can prepare anyone for being a parent I suppose, and both Jamie and I will have to learn as we go!

Sunday 4 October 2009

New destiNation article

I have been neglecting my blog over recent months, mainly because I didn't think I would be able to refrain from using it to vent frustration at all my pregnancy-related 'ailments'! Plus, I usually only had time to blog late at night, and I've been heading to bed much earlier than usual. Growing a new little person is hard work!

Anyway, I have still managed to keep destiNation going and this post is just to let any readers this blog still has know that there is a new article up there.

The article is from Jim and Margaret Cuthbert, and is the first in a series of articles that will look at the implications of the current economic crisis.