Laura’s Pregnancy Diary: Four weeks to go and we’re making birthing plans

Laura Hignett is deaf and pregnant. She is sharing her diary entries with us as she prepares for the birth of her first child. This week, Laura makes some progress with a deaf-friendly birthing plan

Only 4 weeks to go!

It is so scary how time can fly by – I can’t believe I have four weeks to go until the baby arrives. I am scared, nervous, excited and apprehensive!

I spoke to my midwife the other day and explained my fears about the labour as I am worried I won’t be able to understand the midwives or consultants and asked what provisions will be set in place for deaf mothers-to-be like me.

I highlighted that I would prefer one to one care when I go into labour and that I need to be in a room that limits background noise. Thankfully my midwife agreed with me and said that she will make sure that any staff on duty are aware of my hearing loss.

I guess only time will tell what kind of support I receive on the day. I have to say my midwife has been understanding and helpful whereas the consultants have been rather useless – preferring to speak to my partner than to me.

One good thing about highlighting my experience of antenatal care is that I have been contacted by DeafNest, led by Paulina Sporek, to speak at conference in June. It will give me the opportunity to share my experience with healthcare professionals and hopefully they will take note that deaf parents-to-be need more support and that the medical profession need to be more aware.

Laura x

See  more of Laura’s diary entries here

Laura is profoundly deaf, has worked as a press officer for the government and is freelance journalist. She is sharing with us her experiences of becoming a deaf parent for the first time and is campaigning for better accessibility for deaf people.