Midwifery Care FAQ's

Commonly asked questions about midwifery care

Relationship & Continuity of Care

Why choose a full package of care? Choosing an independent midwife is a decision to prioritise a personalised, dedicated experience. Unlike the fragmented care often found in busy hospital systems, I limit my caseload to only 1–2 clients per month. This allows me to spend hours getting to know you, building a relationship of trust that is proven to improve clinical outcomes and ensure you feel seen, heard, and safe throughout your journey.

Will I see other midwives or just you? Continuity of carer is the heart of my practice. Normally, you will only see me. On rare occasions (such as illness or pre-agreed leave), you may meet a trusted colleague. I ensure that any colleague you meet is likely the same person who would attend as the second midwife at your homebirth, so she is a familiar and trusted face for you.

How long are our appointments? Because I am not bound by hospital time pressures, I offer much longer appointments—usually 1–2 hours. These take place in the comfort of your own home at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends. This gives us ample time for clinical checks, birth planning, and emotional support.

Can I contact you whenever I need? Yes. You receive unlimited phone, text, and email support. Between 09:00 and 20:00, I answer as a priority. Once I am officially on call for your birth at 37 weeks, my phone is on 24/7.

Home birth & Clinical Safety

Can I have a homebirth? Yes! I am passionate about home birth and am fully insured for birth care through Zest and the RCN. I would be honoured to facilitate your home birth if you and your baby are healthy and we agree it is the best choice for your circumstances.

What if the hospital says I am 'High Risk'? You always have the right to birth where you choose. I believe risk is not a static concept. I have successfully supported many women with "high risk" factors in having fulfilling home births. I provide honest, non-coercive, evidence-based information so you can make the decision that is right for you. My role is to advocate for your autonomy and safety.

What equipment do you bring to a birth? I bring hospital-standard clinical and emergency equipment to every homebirth. This includes:

Monitoring: Blood pressure cuff, thermometer, sonic aid, and scales.

Emergency Care: Resuscitation bags and masks for both mother and baby, medications to manage excessive bleeding (PPH), and a suturing kit for tear repairs.

Comfort: Gas and air (Entonox), peanut ball, and rebozos.

What happens if we need to transfer to a hospital? If a complication arises, I will be transparent and honest about our options. If we choose to transfer, I will accompany you to the hospital to ensure a smooth clinical transition and stay with you to offer support and advocacy. Your safety and your baby’s safety are always the priority.

The Practicalities

Do I have to have NHS care too? No, you can choose 100% private care. However, I usually recommend booking your local NHS maternity service for screening blood tests and ultrasound scans, as you are entitled to this. I can also provide these privately for an additional cost if you prefer.

How long do you stay after the birth? After a homebirth, I typically stay for 2–3 hours to ensure you enjoy a "Golden Hour" without rush. I assist with the placenta, perform newborn wellbeing checks (including the NIPE exam), and offer breastfeeding support. Most packages include 3–4 visits in the first week to ensure you are recovering well.

What is the difference between a Midwife and a Doula? A midwife is a highly regulated medical professional trained to provide clinical care, monitor health, and handle emergencies, and provide emotional support and education. A doula provides non-clinical emotional and practical support but cannot give medical advice or perform clinical tasks. Choosing a midwife ensures you have a healthcare provider who can manage the safety of both mother and baby.

Booking & Payments To secure your due date, I require an initial payment or installment. I offer flexible installment plans, with the full balance typically due by 36 weeks so I can go on call for you.