Services

Antenatal Care

• Regular antenatal visits of up to an hour in the privacy of  our own home at a time that suits you.
• The initial booking appointment is an opportunity to meet you and your family. This appointment lasts from 1-2 hours as we will discuss your hopes and fears and take a detailed medical and family history, including any other pregnancies and births you have experienced.
• We visit every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every fortnight to 36 weeks and weekly until the birth.
• Fully researched  information about the benefits and risks of the different approaches to maternity care will be explored enabling you to make fully informed choices regarding your care
• Should you require any scans, tests, screening or appointments with specialist consultants I will arrange for you to meet the most appropriate health professional and accompany you as required

The Birth

• Continuity of care through-out labour either at home or in hospital as required
• Most women feel more relaxed, comfortable and safer birthing in their own homes where they are in control of the environment. Having a midwife you have built up a relationship with further facilitates this process. If however, you need to go to hospital you can still benefit from the continuity of care we provide. We will support you there, help build a positive relationship with your hospital carers and act as your advocate.
• There has been a lot of research into the many positive effects of having the support of a midwife, who you have chosen and got to know, for your birth. You are more likely to achieve the type of birth you want. The benefits include lower rates of Caesarean section and other forms of intervention such as medical induction, ventouse and forceps delivery. It is also associated with reduced rates of post-natal depression. See links section for further information.
• Birthing at home as you wish is often less painful because you can stay more relaxed and your own natural endorphins kick in and provide natural pain relief. We also support you to remain active and find comfortable positions for birthing. We encourage you to utilize water and breathing techniques and alternative remedies. We also carry entenox (gas and air).

Postnatal Care

• We visit you and your baby on the first day after birth and then on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. You continue to have access to us 24 hours a day during this period.
• I am qualified to do your Newborn Baby Check, which is usally made around day 2.
• Knowledgeable breast-feeding support and advice on newborn care
• I will create a record of your care and well-being throughout your pregnancy, birth and post-natal period, which you are welcome to add to. You will receive a copy of this at your final visit.