What does it mean to work with an Independent Midwife?

Individualised, relationship-based, holistic & empowering midwifery services provided. Putting YOU at the centre of your care, providing continuity throughout the whole childbirth continuum, ensuring you feel safe, in control and that you trust the person providing your care.

As an Independent Midwife, I work for myself but I am also employed by you, to provide you with the care you choose to access outside of the NHS model of care throughout the whole continuum of antenatal, birth and postnatal care. Practising as an IM means I am a fully registered midwife with an NMC registration and I am accountable to the NMC code of conduct. My practice is regulated, safe, up to date and validated. I also have access to the required indemnity insurance to enable me to provide the services I offer. This is accessed through my registration with ZEST Midwives and the RCN. My practice is not restricted by time constraints, large caseloads, guidelines or policies. Rather, I have a small caseload which enables me to give bespoke, continuity of care throughout to my clients, meaning you have the same midwife supporting you throughout your whole journey. I centre my care around the families I care for, encompassing all their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs in their care plan.  My clients are at the centre of any decision making and choices they make are fully supported and respected. Antenatal appointments last for as long as required, appointments are client led but generally last 1-2 hours, allowing adequate time to discuss your preferences, answer any questions and discuss anxieties you may have. Appointments are client led and no topic off limits! To help support you make fully informed decisions about your care, I will help you review the current literature, research & evidence, alongside any national and local guidelines, policies and recommendations. This, alongside nuanced conversations around your options throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods will help formulate the basis of your care pathway that suits you. The transition after birth can be extremely overwhelming and exciting but equally challenging and tiring, but having that supportive team around you to support you during this time can make such a positive difference. I visit the families I care for up to 4-6 weeks postpartum which enables that nurturing, supportive and compassionate care to continue during those early few weeks of navigating parenthood. Visits during this time can be as frequent as required, again lasting on average of 1-2 hours but not dictated by time, but rather yours and your babies needs. I can help you prepare for this transitional period during your pregnancy to help ease you into the fourth trimester feeling strong, empowered, supported and cared for. Practical requests of help with baby cares, overnight support, providing resources, nourishing snacks, holding space as you explore your birth, offering birth reflections and debrief if required is all offered with wrap around 24/7 phone/text contact. So, think about how you would want your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey to look like, what will help you and make a difference to your journey? If relationship-based, continuity of care with guaranteed access to a home birth with a midwife you know offering empowering care throughout, where you are in control, then investing in an Independent Midwife could be right for you. There is lots of research available to read about the benefits of this model of care, we know that having continuity of care means you're less likely to experience adverse outcomes during your pregnancy & birth and overall, women feel more satisfied with their care. The antenatal appointments I offer are in your own home, again lasting on average about 1-2 hours. Care can start from early pregnancy until birth, which can be as many as 14-16 appointments, which is a lot more than what you’re offered within mainstream maternity services. Imagine that same midwife who has been providing your care all the way through your pregnancy who knows you well, knows your likes/dislikes/birth preferences, is the same midwife that will come to your home when you’re in labour? Or accompany you to the hospital if that’s where you are having your baby. You absolutely CAN have this care. Your home birth won’t be suspended with an IM. We keep our caseload numbers small to enable us to maintain this high level of care and access to our services all year round. If you’re feeling anxious between appointments or have any questions you can contact me via phone/text/whatsapp/email 24/7 so you’re not having to wait until your next appointment to get your queries answered. I can also accompany you to any hospital appointments you may have if this may lessen and worries for you. Care on your terms, in your own environment. The services I provide can run alongside any NHS maternity services you may choose to access, this collaborative and multidisciplinary approach ensures you and your baby have access to any care you choose to and may need, to ensure the safety and wellbeing needs of you and your baby are met without delay. Diligent care planning & safety assessments are carried out regularly throughout your care, involving you, to ensure you and your baby are safe and well, where any concerns can be discussed and referred onto appropriate pathways for assessment where required. Putting you at the centre of your care and providing you with continuity and access to birth care & support is my priority and commitment to you.

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