Once you have engaged me as your midwife, you will benefit from a holistic service that includes all your antenatal, labour and postnatal care.

Antenatal care

Antenatal care takes place in your home at a time to suit you. Every visit takes about an hour as we will have plenty of time to chat about your pregnancy and preparations for the birth.
Blood tests and screening are not included, but I can arrange for you to have these via the N.H.S. or privately.
I am available to you via phone should you need to speak to me at any time.

Home Care

Once you are in labour, I will be with you, and your birth partner(s) providing you with emotional support and reassurance. I will be suggesting various positions for you to try at the different stages of your labour, and I will advise you when it is the optimum time to get in to the birthing pool.
My care and advice to you will be based on sound evidence and from many years experience. You will not have to conform to any rigid medical policies. You will be kept fully informed of all findings, and have full control over any decisions made at this stage.
Throughout your labour, I will be monitoring you and your baby's wellbeing and ensuring that the labour is progressing. I will bring all my own equipment and a supply of Entonox. When the birth is imminent, another midwife will join us to provide additional support.
After the birth, I will stay for a few hours to ensure that you and your new baby are comfortable and to help with the important first feed.
Complications rarely happen, but nearly always there is some warning that all is not well. If I do detect a problem, it will be fully discussed with you and I may advise transferring your care to a hospital. Should this happen I will stay with you to continue providing support and to act as your advocate.

Hospital Birth.

If you have had a previous complicated or traumatic birth, or have other medical problems then I would offer you extra antenatal checks during your pregnancy and accompany you to any appointments you have with the consultant. Because of my many years labour ward experience, I will be able to help you deal with any complications that may occur, and that you are kept fully informed of any developments. I am very comfortable with the labour ward environment and dealing with medical staff, and am happy to do so on your behalf.. Hiring me will give you peace of mind, and hopefully will help you to feel less stressed and start to enjoy your pregnancy.

If you are fit and well but would prefer a hospital birth, then I will support you with that choice. I usually will come to your home once labour is under way and then 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.

Postnatal

I will visit daily initially whilst you are adapting to life with your new baby. These visits are unhurried and there will be plenty of time for me to assist with breast feeding and advise you on how to care for your baby.
As you gain in confidence the visits will become less frequent until you are ready to say goodbye.

Stem Cell Collection

I can offer stem cell collection if you wish, as either part of the full package of care or as a stand alone service. Please contact me for more information.