Whether you want me to provide all your care, just antenatal or just postnatal is your choice. I can work alongside your NHS care provider, meaning you have the reassurance of a midwife to accompany you to visits (if wanted) and ensure all your options are fully explored. Overseas clients most welcome. I also offer antenatal classes; either private classes in your home, or as part of a small group. Not pregnant yet? Then why not have a pre-conception consultation?
I also offer a travelling midwife service. Please contact me to discuss what is available.
Not sure about which direction to go in, hospital or home? Not sure if you fully understand all your options or choices? You can choose to have a one off consultation with me; discuss worries or concerns and gain unbiased, evidence based care.
I also offer a travelling midwife service. Please contact me to discuss what is available.
Not sure about which direction to go in, hospital or home? Not sure if you fully understand all your options or choices? You can choose to have a one off consultation with me; discuss worries or concerns and gain unbiased, evidence based care.
ANTENATAL CARE
Antenatal care is vital to ensure your baby is healthy and to ensure that you stay fit and healthy. The first visit I will make to you is the 'initial consultation' - this will take around 2 hours. If you decide to go ahead and book me to care for you in your pregnancy the cost of this consultation will be deducted from the cost of your chosen care pathway. Blood tests can be arranged through the hospital you wish to book at (if you want a hospital birth) via your GP, or through a local private hospital. If you are entitled to NHS care your early pregnancy scans can be arrange through your local hospital, or via appropriate private scanning services in your locality.
Antenatal appointments are unhurried, and at a time to suit you. Each visit will involve a blood pressure (BP) check, urinalysis, and an abdominal examination (to include listening to the baby's heartbeat after 16 weeks); I use the old fashioned Pinards stethoscope and a Doppler (so you can hear as well). We can discuss screening, your health concerns and any worries you or your family may have. If you need to attend any hospital appointments (for example to see a Consultant) I can accompany you. I like to involve any older children in the family in the antenatal appointment and have books to loan to you for them to understand what is happening. I like dogs, but am really a cat person (although allergic to them!!) so am not phased by family pets who may be present during my visits.
Later in the pregnancy we will work together to produce a birth plan; a 'wish list' for birth. We will discuss previous births (if any) and explore options for birth.
I am happy to offer one off antenatal visits to supplement the antenatal care you receive off NHS midwives.
Antenatal care is vital to ensure your baby is healthy and to ensure that you stay fit and healthy. The first visit I will make to you is the 'initial consultation' - this will take around 2 hours. If you decide to go ahead and book me to care for you in your pregnancy the cost of this consultation will be deducted from the cost of your chosen care pathway. Blood tests can be arranged through the hospital you wish to book at (if you want a hospital birth) via your GP, or through a local private hospital. If you are entitled to NHS care your early pregnancy scans can be arrange through your local hospital, or via appropriate private scanning services in your locality.
Antenatal appointments are unhurried, and at a time to suit you. Each visit will involve a blood pressure (BP) check, urinalysis, and an abdominal examination (to include listening to the baby's heartbeat after 16 weeks); I use the old fashioned Pinards stethoscope and a Doppler (so you can hear as well). We can discuss screening, your health concerns and any worries you or your family may have. If you need to attend any hospital appointments (for example to see a Consultant) I can accompany you. I like to involve any older children in the family in the antenatal appointment and have books to loan to you for them to understand what is happening. I like dogs, but am really a cat person (although allergic to them!!) so am not phased by family pets who may be present during my visits.
Later in the pregnancy we will work together to produce a birth plan; a 'wish list' for birth. We will discuss previous births (if any) and explore options for birth.
I am happy to offer one off antenatal visits to supplement the antenatal care you receive off NHS midwives.
BIRTH
Birth will be in the place of your choice. The Birthplace Study showed that for low risk women birth at home or in a midwife led setting (such as a birth centre) is a safe option for both mother and baby. Obviously the choice is with the woman as to place of birth. Women who have had a previous caesarean section may be classified as 'high risk' by NHS guidelines, but as I am sure you are aware, one size does not fit all - and an individualised approach to assessing risk will be discussed. Another example is the NHS use of body mass index (BMI) to define risk. It is accepted that rugby players may have a raised BMI, but be extremely fit. If you are booked for full care, then I will be on call for you from 37 weeks. When you go into labour and feel you need me I will come and attend your labour and birth. I use evidence based midwifery guidelines and everything that happens is done with your full informed consent. I am there to watch, support and advise you as needed. I will be there when you birth your baby, and stay for a safe period after (everyone is different). When you are happy, and your baby has fed I will leave you tucked up in bed to rest. I am qualified to perform the NIPE (Newborn Initial Physical Examination) so baby will have a thorough check up before I leave.
All equipment is supplied as part of the package - so loan of a TENS machine, loan of birth pool (Birth Pool in a Box or La Bassine), aromatherapy oils, entonox (gas & air), plus all the disposable single use packs and bits for the birth.
Some women want to birth in hospital, so I can accompany you as a birth supporter. As I would not be an employee of the NHS Trust you were birthing with I would not be permitted to act as midwife for you and perform midwife tasks. However I would be there to support you physically and emotionally in a role similar to a doula. To discuss this further, please contact me.
Birth will be in the place of your choice. The Birthplace Study showed that for low risk women birth at home or in a midwife led setting (such as a birth centre) is a safe option for both mother and baby. Obviously the choice is with the woman as to place of birth. Women who have had a previous caesarean section may be classified as 'high risk' by NHS guidelines, but as I am sure you are aware, one size does not fit all - and an individualised approach to assessing risk will be discussed. Another example is the NHS use of body mass index (BMI) to define risk. It is accepted that rugby players may have a raised BMI, but be extremely fit. If you are booked for full care, then I will be on call for you from 37 weeks. When you go into labour and feel you need me I will come and attend your labour and birth. I use evidence based midwifery guidelines and everything that happens is done with your full informed consent. I am there to watch, support and advise you as needed. I will be there when you birth your baby, and stay for a safe period after (everyone is different). When you are happy, and your baby has fed I will leave you tucked up in bed to rest. I am qualified to perform the NIPE (Newborn Initial Physical Examination) so baby will have a thorough check up before I leave.
All equipment is supplied as part of the package - so loan of a TENS machine, loan of birth pool (Birth Pool in a Box or La Bassine), aromatherapy oils, entonox (gas & air), plus all the disposable single use packs and bits for the birth.
Some women want to birth in hospital, so I can accompany you as a birth supporter. As I would not be an employee of the NHS Trust you were birthing with I would not be permitted to act as midwife for you and perform midwife tasks. However I would be there to support you physically and emotionally in a role similar to a doula. To discuss this further, please contact me.
POSTNATAL CARE Often called the 'Cinderella' of maternity services, this is the time after your baby has been born and the family settles into their new lifestyle. This massive time of change; when you need support, not just physically but emotionally is often the time when NHS care can be lacking. Employing an independent midwife to support you during your 'babymoon' is a worthwhile investment in your family's future. I will visit you as needed, providing feeding support, help with babycare, advising on diet, exercise, visitors, cot safety, in fact everything you need to help adjust to life with your new arrival. I work especially well with big siblings - involving them in the care of their new baby is important in helping them adjust to the new arrival!
PRE-CONCEPTUAL CARE
Pre-pregnancy care is an important role for the midwife, but in the busy, overstretched NHS a role that is often overlooked. Making sure both your bodies are in tip top condition prior to conception means that your baby has the best start in life. During this consultation I will take a full medical history off both of you, and discuss lifestyle choices, before recommending blood tests (which your GP can perform or I can arrange for them to be performed at a private hospital local to you). I present you with a comprehensive report about your wellbeing and suggestions for optimising your health prior to pregnancy.
Pre-pregnancy care is an important role for the midwife, but in the busy, overstretched NHS a role that is often overlooked. Making sure both your bodies are in tip top condition prior to conception means that your baby has the best start in life. During this consultation I will take a full medical history off both of you, and discuss lifestyle choices, before recommending blood tests (which your GP can perform or I can arrange for them to be performed at a private hospital local to you). I present you with a comprehensive report about your wellbeing and suggestions for optimising your health prior to pregnancy.