What are independent midwives?
Independent midwives are fully qualified midwives who, in order to practice the midwife's role to its fullest extent, have chosen to work outside the NHS in a self employed capacity, although we support its aims and ideals. The midwife's role encompasses the care of women during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.

Do you have insurance?
As an Independent Midwifery practitioner, professional indemnity insurance is currently unavailable to me. I am happy to discuss the implications of this both for you and for me at our initial consultation. The implications of Independent Midwives not having indemnity insurance is that in cases where a baby might be born damaged, there would be no financial compensation via an insurance company. For further information regarding this situation go to www.independentmidwives.org.uk

How often do you visit?
I have an average schedule of visits but can be very flexible and will see you more if you need it and less if you don't want to see us so often. I usually visit you monthly until 28/30 weeks, every 2 weeks till 36 and weekly until you have your baby. The visits generally last about an hour and give us time to get to know one another. This makes it easier to know how best to support you at the birth and after. Once your baby has arrived, I will visit daily initially and then less frequently, again depending on your needs, then to weekly visits before I discharge you from my care at around 6 weeks.  I usually make the occasional telephone call to see how you all are, and pop back to say hello when baby reaches their first birthday!

If I book late on in my pregnancy do I still have to pay the full price?
Yes you do as I provide the same care in a shorter period of time with more frequent visits.

If I have a miscarriage do I get my money back?
In the event of a miscarriage the amount returned is dependant on individual circumstances. I assure you that it will be dealt with in a professional and sensitive way that is mutually agreeable to all parties involved.

Is birth at home really safe?
Yes. Research shows that birth at home for most women is as safe, if not safer, than hospital birth. AIMS have got good evidence based literature on homebirth safety, www.aims.org.uk and www.homebirth.org.uk has got a wealth of information on homebirth to help you with your decision about place of birth. The government has been pushing homebirth in its new Maternity Matters Policy. This at last gives guidance about choices and documents that home birth is a valid and safe choice for women.

Is homebirth safe for a first baby?
Pregnancy and birth are normal life events. Following a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason why your first baby cannot be born at home. Every woman in Britain has the right to a home birth whatever the circumstances. Breaking with convention is always difficult, but there is a growing body of research that indicates that birth at home is safer than birth in hospital following a normal pregnancy.

I have been told I can't have a homebirth by my consultant but still want one, will you take me on?
Independent Midwives support women's choices. If a woman has made a fully informed choice then in most circumstances we will support you. Many Independent Midwives take on the care of women who are deemed "high risk" for example: women who have had previous caesareans, women with pre-existing medical conditions and women carrying twins to name a few. I am happy to discuss all your options with you.

What if I'm not sure where to have my baby?
Many women are unsure whether to have a home or hospital birth. Whatever you decide I will be there to provide you with information and support. Midwives are fully trained in home births and water births. I am very flexible so you don’t have to make this decision until you go into labour; you will know what feels right for you.  You have the right to choose where you will give birth. Have a look in the Homebirth section, at the latest circular from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Health professionals can offer you their advice about your birth choices - but the decision is always yours.

Will I need to go to hospital for stitches after the birth?
I am able to repair, all but the deepest, vaginal tears at home. I provide a local anaesthetic first should you prefer. 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.

What if there is a problem during my home delivery?
I will be closely monitoring you throughout your labour and if there are any causes for concern, I may discuss transferring you into hospital for the birth of your baby. I will travel into the hospital with you where I will hand over your care to the hospital midwives and doctors. I will then remain with you to provide my support, advocacy and clinical information/expertise.

Television and film dramas often send out unrealistic messages about the frequency of emergencies at home births not because this is true, but because it makes an exciting story. How often do we hear on local programmes of the midwife, or ambulance that doesn’t arrive on time and a baby being born on the bathroom floor (much to the delight) with the help of younger siblings!

What if I want a home birth and my home is too small?
You don't need a lot of room to give birth; most women tend to head for the smallest room in the house when they are labouring or ready to deliver as it helps them to feel safe.

What options are there open to me for pain relief if I choose a home birth?
Hydrotherapy, massage and relaxation. TENS, Homeopathy and other alternative medicines and therapies you may have accessed during the antenatal period, such as hypnotherapy. I carry, Entonox - "Gas and Air". Pethidine is also available (although usually not advised).

Is water birth safe, and can I have a water birth at home?
Water birth is a safe option and one that promotes natural way of managing pain, after all the baby lives in water in utero and simply goes from one lot of water to another. It is a particularly gentle way to be born and a fantastic form of pain relief.

The majority of women I care for at home choose to labour and birth their babies in water.

Who can be with me at the birth?
It’s your birth you can have whoever you wish, including your children. In hospital the number of your attendants is sometimes restricted.

How do you involve my partner?
My role is to facilitate the best pregnancy and birth experience you can have in the circumstances that arrive. My aim is to include your birth partner and family members at this very special time. Partners can be involved as much or a little as they feel comfortable, but they are very much part of the experience and are made to feel so. Discussing your birth plans is an on going theme throughout your pregnancy so that as your labour unfolds any changes you make is fine, I will be able to adapt to facilitate you and your partners needs. Many partners like to talk about their fears or concerns; I’m there to support all of you.

Do I have to see an obstetrician or my GP during my pregnancy?
Only if you want to. It is not necessary for a pregnant woman in the UK to see a GP at all. She may go straight to a midwife when she is pregnant. If you present with a medical or obstetric problem, referral to see an obstetrician can be arranged.

What if I want NHS screening tests and ultrasound scans?
You are still entitled to access the full range of NHS blood tests, other screening tests and ultrasound scans if you wish. I can usually take them for you at home otherwise they may need to be arranged through your local GPs surgery. We can discuss these options at your booking appointment.

What if I am being seen by the hospital obstetric consultant?
You can continue to see your obstetric consultant at your local hospital and we can attend appointments with you if you like.

What sort of emergency training do you have?
Independent midwives are fully trained in dealing with obstetric emergencies that may occur in a home birth situation. We do regular updates in maternal and neonatal resuscitation, and attend regular updates in a variety of other emergency skills. Independent Midwives also carry emergency drugs in case a woman bleeds heavily. We have a supervisor of midwives who ensures that we are competent and safe to practice and who also ensures that all our equipment is checked on a yearly basis.