If I hire you, can you guarantee that you will be the midwife that comes to the birth?
Yes, if you hire me, then I will be your midwife for the birth. I only take on a very small caseload so the risk of having two women in labour at the same time is negligible. It is very important to me not to miss any of my client's births after months of preparation and getting to know each other.
I book my holidays months in advance, so can tell you prior to booking if there is any chance that I will be away when your baby is due.
I do have good working relationship with the other independent midwives in the area, so in the very unlikely event I was taken ill and it wasn't safe for me to look after you, I would arrange for another midwife to care for you.

I live in Lewes, is this OK?
Yes this is not a problem. My catchment area is quite wide and includes Chichester, Worthing, Horsham, Brighton, Hove, Lewes and Haywards Heath. Just give me a call to check if I cover your area.

Will I have to pay extra for anything once I have hired you?
No, my fee is a set price, regardless of the number of times you want to see me, or the length of your labour. However you may wish to hire a birthing pool or homeopathic kit and these are not included.

What if I have to go in to the hospital with complications?
If any complications arise during the pregnancy, I will attend hospital appointments with you to act as your advocate and help you differentiate between advice that is given because of routine hospital policies and what is being advised through medical necessity. Should problems arise during the labour, again I will accompany you to the labour ward and stay until the baby arrives. None of the local hospitals will allow independent midwives to practise on their property, so my role will be to act as your advocate. I will ensure that the medical staff give you thorough explanations of every procedure, and explain all your options to you. I will ensure that they are aware of your wishes and communicate your decisions to them. I will continue to act as your supporter, helping you find comfortable positions and cope with the labour pains.

Do you bring all the equipment necessary for a homebirth?
Yes, I supply everything required. I have all my own equipment, a good supply of entonox and the drugs for dealing with a haemorrhage.

What if the baby required resuscitation?
I am experienced at resuscitation of the newborn and attend regular study sessions to make sure that these skills remain up to date. I bring oxygen and a bag and mask to inflate the babies lungs in the very unlikely event that resuscitation was required.

Will I need to go to hospital for stitches after the birth?
I am able to repair all but the deepest tears in the home. I do of course provide a local anaesthetic first if you wish. Should you require a specialist repair, then I would come in to the hospital with you and ensure that your stay is as brief as possible.

I have heard that Independent Midwives don't have insurance, is this true?
I have insurance for antenatal and postnatal care provided through my membership of the Royal College of Nurses. I do not have insurance for care during labour as it is not available to any Independent midwife in the country. There is a campaign running to lobby the government to resolve this situation. See www.saveindependentmidwifery.org.