MAD Billy joins Acorn
Independent Midwives are famous for their innovative ways of working, their love of living on the fringe and delivering holistic care.
So who is Billy? Billy is a rather gorgeous brown labradoodle who joined my family 12 months ago. Labradoodles are known for their gentle, clever nature and Billy is true to form. Billy comes from a long line of labradoodles and has midwifery in his blood (his Mother lives with another Independent Midwife Virginia Howes).
Pet ownership has been proven over and over again to have amazing health benefits for the people who care for them. Stroking a dog or cat reduces blood pressure, builds endorphin levels and releases oxytocin. Now, when a woman is in labour she needs oxytocin and endorphins! I'm not saying that taking Billy to a birth is appropriate, but for some women, stroking his soft, fluffy coat may help them to relax in the antenatal period. White coat syndrome, where people experience a rise in blood pressure when it's taken by a medical professional is not uncommon - stroking a dog or cat whilst I take your blood pressure will help to get a far more accurate picture. Of course it's not for everyone (especially if you dislike dogs) but he is there if wanted and so far is working well.
We're proud to say he is possibly the first Maternity Assistance Dog (MAD) in the country! His role is small, but the potential for him to support women in pregnancy is immense.
Why is this such a crazy idea? The research supports the use of pets as therapy so why are birthing women any different? So welcome MAD Billy to the company!!
NB Billy is fully vaccinated, attends obedience classes, and has received his Silver Good Citizen Award.
So who is Billy? Billy is a rather gorgeous brown labradoodle who joined my family 12 months ago. Labradoodles are known for their gentle, clever nature and Billy is true to form. Billy comes from a long line of labradoodles and has midwifery in his blood (his Mother lives with another Independent Midwife Virginia Howes).
Pet ownership has been proven over and over again to have amazing health benefits for the people who care for them. Stroking a dog or cat reduces blood pressure, builds endorphin levels and releases oxytocin. Now, when a woman is in labour she needs oxytocin and endorphins! I'm not saying that taking Billy to a birth is appropriate, but for some women, stroking his soft, fluffy coat may help them to relax in the antenatal period. White coat syndrome, where people experience a rise in blood pressure when it's taken by a medical professional is not uncommon - stroking a dog or cat whilst I take your blood pressure will help to get a far more accurate picture. Of course it's not for everyone (especially if you dislike dogs) but he is there if wanted and so far is working well.
We're proud to say he is possibly the first Maternity Assistance Dog (MAD) in the country! His role is small, but the potential for him to support women in pregnancy is immense.
Why is this such a crazy idea? The research supports the use of pets as therapy so why are birthing women any different? So welcome MAD Billy to the company!!
NB Billy is fully vaccinated, attends obedience classes, and has received his Silver Good Citizen Award.
What does independent midwifery have in common with luxury travel?
Imagine planning the holiday of a lifetime.
You could book a standard package, follow a fixed itinerary and take whatever room is allocated to you. Or you could work with someone who takes the time to understand exactly what you want — where you would like to go, what matters to you, what you would rather avoid and what would make the experience truly special.
Independent midwifery is rather like that.
Your pregnancy and birth are not a package holiday. They are your experience, and no two journeys are the same.
As an independent midwife, I have the time to get to know you properly. We can talk about your hopes, your previous experiences, your preferences and the things that may be worrying you. Together, we can make a plan — while recognising that, just like travel, sometimes plans need to change.
And when they do, having someone alongside you who already knows you makes all the difference.
You have one midwife who understands your journey, rather than repeatedly explaining yourself to different people. Your appointments can be unrushed, your questions welcomed, and your care thoughtfully tailored around you.
Luxury travel isn't simply about beautiful hotels or extra touches. At its heart, it is about being known, having choices and feeling that every detail has been considered.
That is how I see independent midwifery too.
Not more for the sake of more.
Just care that is personal, considered and entirely centred around you.
Welcome to a different way of experiencing maternity care.
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