Antenatal Care

You will have your antenatal appointments in the comfort of your own home. We aim to get to know you well, so you and your family will have built a trusting relationship with us by the time you give birth. Antenatal care consists of

• an initial consultation
• Booking appointment 
• antenatal visits every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
• fortnightly antenatal visits until 36 weeks (incl. birth talk)
• weekly visits from 37 weeks until the birth of your baby

During these visits we will assess the well-being, growth and position of your baby, take your blood pressure, test your urine and liaise with your GP or private healthcare providers to carry out screening tests and ultrasound scans. Should there be any underlying medical issues or should problems arise during your pregnancy that require input from an obstetrician, we will help you find a practitioner who understands your individual needs and supports your birth choices.

Most women who book care with an  independent midwife wish to give birth at home. While you are in labour we will support and guide you in a way that meets your and your partner’s and family’s individual needs. We have extensive experience in facilitating water births and will endeavour to make you feel calm and in control at all times.

Many of our clients chose to use  hypnobirthing and mindful birthing techniques while in labour and nearly all families opt for a water birth in the pool with its proven benefits.  We will help you with all practicalities and make sure you are prepared for your birth in the best way possible. 

We will always liaise with your local NHS Trust to enable us to cooperate well, should the need for urgent emergency transfer from home arise. Families who do not wish to have contact with the NHS in any way are advised to book with other independent midwives or maternity care providers. 

 After the birth of your baby we will visit you daily for the first week, if you wish, or according to need. We will assist you with any breastfeeding issues and ensure that you recover well from giving birth. Especially as a first time mother, you may have many questions and I will be at your side while you are getting to know your newborn. 

During our visits we will carry out routine postnatal checks, and assess your physical and emotional wellbeing. We will liaise with your GP and other health care professionals and specialists if required, e.g. physiotherapists, osteopaths and tongue tie practitioners.  We may explore postnatal exercises, the basics of newborn first aid, sling wearing and many other questions you may have. 

Care will be taylored to the individual needs of your family and your newborn.